What is The Serenity Club and what do you want people to know about it?
The Serenity Club (TSC) is a nonprofit organization that addresses the problem of addiction in our county. We offer meeting space for 12-step meetings like Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Gamblers Anonymous. We also have common areas for fellowship and drug and alcohol free activities & events (pre-covid). We are finally able to resume some of the activities that have been sorely missing during the pandemic. This Thanksgiving Day we will be hosting our traditional Thanksgiving Dinner along with scheduled meetings at noon and at 6 pm. In December we be resuming our once a month Bunco night, our Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day and our annual Children’s Christmas Project for the children of parents/guardians who are active in 12-step addiction recovery. Instead of a physical gathering, it will be a personal doorstep visit from Santa Claus and the Elves and will include a holiday stocking and a special gift for each child.
What is your role with the Serenity Club and, if you are comfortable sharing, how did you come to get involved in the organization?
I am the current interim manager as well as a member of the serenity club, and also a recovering addict. I have been a part of the 12-step groups here along with extra-curricular activities for the past 10 yrs. I came to TSC desperately seeking a new way of life without drugs and alcohol, and I found it here in 12-step meetings and amongst the many people just like me. I owe this wonderful building and its members an unmeasurable amount of gratitude.
What is special about the Serenity Club or others like it?
TSC is special because it not only provides 12-step meetings, but also provides social activities and fellowship. It offers experience in living a life without the use of drugs or alcohol. Even during the 1st wave of covid, we did absolutely everything we could to provide meetings. We know how much they are needed in times like these. We offered information on meetings on zoom, and then eventually phased into outside yard meetings, which were so welcomed after so many days/months of isolation. We are pretty much back in business now and our rooms are full again.
What can be challenging for people and what are some strategies that seem to work for people who are part of Serenity Club?
I think people assume coming here will put some sort of judgmental target on their back, or that they are somehow different than the rest of us here or just feel embarrassed. I can say, from experience I had the same doubts, but I see when others just keep coming back every day or as often as they can, they eventually realize we are all the same here and are all here to help one another. One of the best things about this place, is how welcoming the people in it are. And I don’t exaggerate when I say they welcome you with open arms. If you weren’t a hugger before, you’ll swiftly become one.
What do you wish people knew about alcohol and substance use disorder?
I wish people knew there was another way of life to live, and that all hope is not lost. I wish all the time that people who are out there still struggling knew that the impending doom, hopelessness, and overwhelming mental and physical addictions they are feeling, can be helped. People here, DO recover. I’ve been a witness to this and I myself, have experienced this.
How can people access this support at the Tillamook Serenity Club?
TSC is open every day of the week for 12 step meetings and fellowship. We encourage all to attend and leave with a schedule and some hope. We also have schedules of meetings offered on Zoom and schedules of 12-step meetings all over our county. You can find more information about TSC on our Facebook page and our website www.tillamookserenityclub.org.
What other community resources exist?
The Tillamook counseling center offers a peer support program, and their peer mentors have been bringing clients to TSC for meetings in the afternoon to lead them in a positive direction for when they are ready to once again take the reins of life. There is also information at www.ourtillamook.org.
AUTHOR: Angel Parsons, Serenity Club Manager
For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Seconds can determine life versus death. Knowing what to do when someone has overdosed on opioids is vital.
What are opioids?
Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are a type of drug. They include strong prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and tramadol. The illegal drug heroin is also an opioid.
Taking high doses of opioids can cause an overdose. Opioids affect the part of the brain that regulates breathing. Because the drug slows or stops breathing, an overdose can lead to death.
If you take an opioid, your family and friends must know how to respond to an overdose. An accidental overdose can happen to a person who take prescription or non-prescription opioids.
What does an overdose look like?
Here are some signs that someone is experiencing an overdose.
Unconscious, unresponsive, hard to wake
Slow, shallow breathing, difficulty breathing
Choking, gurgling or snoring
Blue/purple fingernails or lips
If you notice the above signs, check on their breathing and try to wake them up.
Look for chest rising and falling.
Put your ear near their mouth to listen and feel for breaths.
Shout and shake them.
Firmly tap them on their chest.
What do I do if I find someone experiencing an overdose?
If you think someone is having an opioid overdose, take the following steps.
Call 9-1-1 immediately. Administer naloxone if it is available. Naloxone is a safe medication that can quickly stop an opioid overdose. Note: it is safe to use naloxone even if you are unsure the unresponsive person is experiencing an opioid overdose.
Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
Stay with the person until emergency workers arrive.
Where do I get naloxone?
If you are currently taking opioids, ask your healthcare provider whether you need a prescription for naloxone. Naloxone is readily available at most pharmacies. Free nasal naloxone is also available to anyone in Tillamook County by calling 503-815-2401 or emailing via OURTillamook.org. Nasal naloxone is called Narcan®. It is easy to use since it is dispensed as a spray up the nose.
How can I prevent an overdose?
Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more medicine at once or take medicine more often than you are supposed to.
Never mix pain medicine with alcohol, sleeping pills or illegal substances.
Store medicine safely where children and pets can’t reach it. Consider using a medicine lockbox to keep out others who don’t need access.
Dispose of unused medicine properly.
For more information about naloxone, Narcan®, drug disposal or opioid use disorder, please visit OURTillamook.org.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling a million dollars with 100 percent funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s). They do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA/HHS or the U.S. government.
AUTHOR: Mareliza de Jesus, Project Coordinator at Adventist Health Tillamook
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We live in challenging times and resiliency is more important than ever before. To be resilient is to be flexible and adapt to our ever-changing environment. So how do we cultivate ourselves to be more flexible? Maybe it’s best to sleep on it.
Insomnia and disturbed sleep affect more than 30% of people in the US. From difficulty falling asleep to staying asleep, sleep is a problem for many tired folks. Sleep is the body’s natural reset time when our brain and organs cleanse and rejuvenate. It is estimated the body needs on average, 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Some factors that can interrupt sleep are lack of exercise, acid reflux, smoking, alcohol, and obesity.
The Better Sleep Council found that 79% of people would feel better and more prepared for the day with an extra hour of sleep. Sleeping only 6-7 hours, you are twice as likely to be involved in a car crash and sleeping less than 5 hours increases your risk 4-5 times. Additional research has found that continuity of sleep is important for improved memory function. This study found that during restorative sleep, important memories are consolidated (the process where short-term memories are converted to long-term memories), and creativity is boosted as well.
Resilience requires energy and poor sleep depletes your energy reserves. Sleep also appears to restore our emotional brain circuits, boosting healthy levels of mood-supporting hormones, including serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol, that affect your body’s tools of resilience, including your thought, mood, and energy. Simply put, when you are physically exhausted, you have less capacity for resilience.
While you are sleeping, your body and brain can rest, regenerate, repair, detoxify, reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar levels, burn calories, support immune activity, and reset your energy reserves. Sleep is critical for basic maintenance and repair of the neurological, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems.
Natural tips to enhance sleep health
Reduce Exposure to Artificial Light – Artificial light from computers, phones, and other electronic devices disrupts the body’s natural ability to determine light from dark, which disturbs the circadian rhythm and throws off your sleep. The blue light emitted from alarm clocks and other digital devices also may suppress melatonin production.
Make the bedroom as dark as possible. Use blackout shades to make your bedroom pitch black and cover or turn off all devices that glow or give off any light (including digital alarm clocks).
Don’t be too full – or too hungry – when you go to bed. Some people sleep better after eating a light dinner. This is especially true for those with digestive issues. Others, like those with a tendency toward hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), do better with a snack before bed (and possibly even during the night).
Go to bed earlier. You’ve heard the saying “an hour before midnight is worth two hours after.” It turns out there is some truth to that.
Decrease caffeine and alcohol consumption. Coffee can remain in your system for up to 12 hours. Alcohol may prevent the body from falling into a deep state of sleep leaving you groggy in the morning.
Try herbal teas before going to bed. Some common herbal teas that are safe and helpful are: chamomile, lavender, skullcap, and valerian root. Supplements such as magnesium, vitamin D3, or L-theanine can also be a helpful aid for a better night’s rest. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a new supplement regiment.
Acupuncture can also be helpful for insomnia and relaxation. The placement of tiny needles is used to induce a sense of relaxation and calmness via the nervous system. Acupuncture has been shown to increase sleeping time and longer REM states in numerous clinical studies.
Sleep is one of the foundations for resilience and a pillar for health. Deepening your sleep or getting adequate sleep can have profound effects on your health and well-being. Restful sleep can improve mental clarity and memory, enhance athletic performance, boost mood and energy, improve immune function, and increase our tolerance to stress. Exercise, proper eating, acupuncture, and less caffeine and alcohol can all help you get the rest you need.
AUTHOR: Dr. Monte Gores, Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine at Rinehart Clinic
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of our lives, including how we interact with our family, friends, and communities. This last year and a half has placed a spotlight on just how important our personal relationships are to our overall wellbeing. As we head into another holiday season, it’s worth taking a moment to consider how celebrating collective traditions can also be an important piece in building a healthy, happy life. This October, the Juntos Club will be holding space for community members to celebrate Dia de los Muertos here in Tillamook:
Día de los Muertos dates back to pre-Spanish colonization, where the Mesoamerican groups would celebrate those who had passed. The arrival of the Spanish combined the Mesoamerican groups’ celebrations with the catholic holidays, All saints and All soul’s day. Families honor the dead by bringing offerings to the gravesites or by building ofrendas (alters) in their homes. The ofrendas are decorated with photos of the departed, food, drink, candles, and Xempasuchil (marigold). During this two-day period, it’s believed that the border between the living world and the spirit world dissipates allowing the souls of the dead to return to the living world to celebrate with their families.
In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, Juntos will be hosting a family night on October 29th at OSU Extension. Families are invited to join for pan dulce, refreshments and participate in helping create an ofrenda to honor past loved ones. To celebrate and protect our friends and family with us the Tillamook Community Health Center mobile clinic will be in attendance for those interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who are unable to make it to the event can still celebrate their loved ones by creating ofrendas in their own homes.
The Juntos Club in Tillamook is an opportunity to socialize and discuss topics like leadership, college planning, and Latinx culture. For more events, follow their Facebook page or register for the club at https://gateway.oregonstate.edu/juntos-club-tillamook.
For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
It is estimated that 1,700 people in Tillamook County live with opioid use disorder. That person can be our neighbor, our coworker, or our family. Each of us deserve the chance to live a fulfilling life which is why the Tillamook Family Counseling Center offers a prime + peer support program free of service for any community members who may need support with substance use. AmeriCorps VISTA, Brett Buesnel, recently met with peer support specialist, Jennifer Barksdale, about her experience as a peer support specialist here in Tillamook County:
What is a peer support specialist?
As a peer support specialist, I work with the IPS model (intentional peer support). The IPS approach is about building a relationship with the individual and working to turn fear into hope.
The 4 principles of the IPS model are Connection (build partnership), World View (understand their world view and share your own), Mutuality (viewing ourselves in the context of mutually accountable relationships and communities), Moving Towards (move towards what the person wants for their life and the safest situation they are open to)
What drew you to this work?
My life has had its peaks and valleys. I had my own business in San Francisco for 15 years and was also addicted to heroin at that time. I wasn’t able to imagine before getting clean that my life could be what it is today. Addiction can be deadly and staying alive long enough to get to see recovery and the positive potential life has to offer is not guaranteed. I want to help other people live long enough to see that potential for themselves.
What is your favorite part of being a peer support specialist?
It has given perspective that has helped make me less judgmental of my own recovery. I have been through a lot of hard times, as a peer support specialist those experiences can be shared to create a real connection with people who are going through hard times themselves. I can show people how you can make it through hard times and not get high.
What is the most challenging aspect of what you do?
As addicts, people only have moments of clarity when they have the capacity to get help. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to connect people with the help they are seeking in those sometimes small windows of time. The length of a weekend can be too long in some cases to connect people with the services they need.
What do you wish people knew about substance use disorder?
There is a common misconception that you can love someone out of addiction, or their love for a child or partner will be enough to get them into recovery. It’s a sad to say, but for many people it isn’t something that works. In order for someone to get clean, they need to want it for themselves.
How can people access this support at the Tillamook Family Counseling Center?
The work I do at TFCC is Prime Plus Peer Project. To get access to Prime Plus all they need to do is make a call, they do not have to be a client of TFCC. Prime Plus is an immediate service for support, no referrals necessary. The other path at TFCC is to come in for an assessment with a clinician.
What other community resources exist?
The OurTillamook.org website has lots of addiction support information. There are also AA/NA meetings at the Serenity Club that people can check out.
Is there anything that we didn’t cover that you would like to share?
One of the most important things about peer support is that it exists outside of a traditional clinical approach. The peer-peer connection meets folks where they are, more as a supportive friend role to listen and provide support through many of life’s challenges that can get in the way of recovery. The Intentional Peer Support model is a great way to meet folks where they are in their recovery.
If you would like to contact Jennifer for support, she can be reached at 503-812-8412. For more information about the prime + program in Tillamook County, visit https://ourtillamook.org/prime-peer-support/
AUTHOR: Brett Buesnel, AmeriCorps VISTA at Tillamook County Community Health Center
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Do you have old prescriptions or unused medications? Too often these end up in the wrong hands and wrong places. Unused or expired prescription medications can lead to accidental poisonings, overdose, and abuse. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers and 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants. The majority of teenagers misusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. Even prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. (And unused drugs that are flushed can contaminate the water supply!) The best way to dispose of unused medications is to utilize local take-back programs.
Tillamook County Community Health Center will be partnering with Tillamook County Solid Waste for this year’s National DEA Drug Take Back Day on October 23rd at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds. Registration is not necessary, just drop in between 10 am and 2 pm.
At the event you can:
Bring unused or expired medication (prescription or over-the-counter)
Bring sharps (injectables / needles) in closed red sharps containers for safe disposal
Receive a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot!
(Please do not bring liquid medications or creams – the best way to dispose of these medications is by mixing them with kitty litter and placing them in the garbage)
This is also an opportunity to dispose of diabetic needles (or other injectables). Sharp objects must be placed in closed red plastic Sharps containers and separated from medications. If you need a red Sharps container for these items, they are available for purchase at many pharmacies. During the week of the event (Oct 17-23), a small number of Sharps containers will be available for pick-up at Tillamook County Fairgrounds at the regularly scheduled vaccine clinics, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 am – 3pm and Wednesday 1pm – 4pm. Your local healthcare provider or diabetic supplier may also be able to provide more information on where to find Sharps containers.
Safely disposing unused medications is an important way to protect those around you and prevent addiction or overdose. If you’re unable to make it to the event, there are other drug disposal locations across the county (although these locations are only for unused medications and cannot accept sharps or needles). There is a medication drop box at the following locations: Rinehart Clinic & Pharmacy, Rockaway Beach City Hall, Tillamook County Libraries, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Tillamook Pharmacy, Tillamook Police Department. For more information, visit https://ourtillamook.org/drug-disposal-locations/ .
AUTHOR: Tillamook County Wellness
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
