New Hampshire House Rejects Marijuana Legalization: What You May Not Know About the Dangers of Marijuana

 New Hampshire House Rejects Marijuana Legalization: What You May Not Know About the Dangers of Marijuana

Marijuana is not the equivalent of Heroin. Nor Cocaine. Nor Methamphetamine. Marijuana is not known for physical dependence, nor will an unlaced joint cause death to a person of average health. However, it cannot be argued that Marijuana use is not healthy in a number of ways; and many feel that legalization of Cannabis may not be good for our society either.

On March 26, 2014, New Hampshire’s House killed a bill which would have legalized up to one ounce of Marijuana with the intention of recreational use for those 21 years of age and over. Having gained preliminary approval in the House with a 170-140 vote with a request for committee review, it was determined that legalized commercial sales of this drug could be a large cause for concern. The end result was a 192-140 House vote against the proposed bill.

There are Good Arguments Behind Legalization

Self-empowerment NH, LLC in no way endorses drug use. That is a fact. However, we do agree that there are solid arguments behind the legalization of Marijuana. One reason is that such a bill would provide certain protections in regards to the contents of the drug. “Lacing”, (including additional chemicals or drugs with or without the consumer’s knowledge) would be less prevalent, an issue which causes serious health issues and may even cause death. There is also the argument that other dangerous drugs like alcohol and tobacco are legal, thus making it difficult to rationalize the individuals behind bars as a result of Cannabis sales or use.

But Here’s What People Don’t Think About…

Marijuana is not harmless. Regardless of the results of future legalization efforts and the decisions based on de-criminalization of this substance, there are factors that all individuals should keep in mind.

1.)    According to Dr. Drew Pinsky, an individual whom has been working with addicts for decades, there are populations of people with genetic potential for addiction. Despite arguments that Marijuana is not addictive, Dr. Pinsky argues that categorizing Marijuana as a non-addictive substance could be considered malpractice, and that many people who smoke Marijuana regularly have a difficult time quitting this habit.

2.)    Studies show that regular Marijuana users experience impairment in memory, learning and attention, even when use has been discontinued for twenty-four hours. Impaired motor coordination was also noted.

3.)    Marijuana significantly effects brain development. Translation: youth exposure to Cannabis could cause the brain to not develop to its full potential and could put a serious kink in the success of the next generation, (our planet’s future).

4.)    According to Dr. Dan Brookoff of the New England Journal of Medicine, 45% of reckless drivers not impaired by Alcohol tested positive for Marijuana. This brings up the frightening reality that a rise in Marijuana use could lead to an increase in injuries and deaths associated with motor vehicle accidents.

5.)    It has been argued that Marijuana may be a closer relative of such drugs as Heroin, Cocaine and Alcohol than many may think, as Marijuana activates the same pleasure centers in the brain as such drugs.

6.)    There are a number of physiological effects associated with Cannabis, to include Anxiety, panic attacks and/or paranoia.

7.)    Benzopyrene is the chemical in Tobacco that causes Lung Cancer and an average Marijuana cigarette contains nearly 50% more Benzopyrene than a Tobacco cigarette.

8.)    Heavy Marijuana use can affect hormone levels in both females and males.

9.)    Marijuana can affect the immune system and its ability to fight disease/illness.

Are You or Someone You Know Addicted to Drugs and/or Alcohol and Need Somewhere to Turn?

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues and has supported a number of individuals whom suffer from even the most severe of addictions. Through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system.

For more information about counseling and group services and/or presentations, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

You are not alone. Open the door to self-empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

"Spice" in New Hampshire: Highly Addictive and On the Rise

“Spice” in New Hampshire: Highly Addictive and On the Rise

What is “Spice” and Why is it Dangerous?

The Drug “Spice” may look like the potpourri you buy your grandmother for Christmas and may sound like something to be added to food, but don’t be fooled. Spice, also known as “K2”, (“K2” being a popular brand of Spice), can be defined as Synthetic Marijuana. Often sold as “incense” in head shops, the Spice drug is most often abused by smoking, but can also be mixed with food or drink. Poison Control Centers whom receive regular calls from Spice abusers report severe withdrawal and addiction symptoms and such symptoms from users as hallucinations, confusion, agitation, vomiting and rapid heart rate which is associated with reduced blood supply to the heart and high risk for heart attacks. 

An increasingly alarming reality associated the drug Spice is that we are not exactly sure of the effects of Spice on the human brain. Scientists do know that the compounds found within Spice loosely resemble those within Marijuana, but may actually bind more strongly to the brain’s receptors. Reports have also been made which indicate the presence of unknown substances, chemicals and assorted additives. Such realities are associated with a “stronger high” than Marijuana and unpredictable results. Though the Spice drug is advertised as “natural”, this is far from reality. Spice is synthetic and thus it is not natural and certainly not safe.

Not only does Spice resemble Marijuana in appearance, the effects of the two substances have been reported as similar. Such effects include:

·         hallucinations

• paranoia
• relaxation 
•   extreme anxiety
• elevation in mood
• altered perception

Spice Sales in New Hampshire

The frightening reality of the Spice drug is that it can be found in stores around the state of New Hampshire. Despite efforts to ban the presence of this substance, (Spice is technically illegal), the drug is commonly disguised under different names and/or the ingredients are changed.

In 2012, the DEA seized both synthetic marijuana (Spice) and Bath Salts, (another dangerous and addictive drug often sold in head shops and convenience stores alongside Spice). 8.5 kilos of Spice and Bath Salts were confiscated from a New Hampshire self-storage locker. Hampton, New Hampshire police believed that before seized, such drugs were intended to stock New Hampshire convenience stores and New Hampshire head shops. On July 25, 2012, the DEA executed 265 search warrants in over 90 cities in 30 states. This was in an effort to seize both Spice and other brands of Synthetic Marijuana and Bath Salts.

Though the DEA’s large Spice bust occurred in 2012, it is important to note that prevalence of Spice and other synthetic drugs disguised as harmless substances, (such as Bath Salts) remain on the market. Many individuals right here in New Hampshire suffer from addictions to synthetic drugs, to include both Synthetic Marijuana (Spice) and Bath Salts.

We’re Here to Help!

At Self-empowerment NH, LLC, we take addiction issues personally. A counseling company located in Concord, NH; at Self-empowerment NH LLC, we understand how difficult addiction can be and have an extensive background in treating individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, to include addiction to Spice and Bath Salts. We are outraged by the state of New Hampshire’s negligence in providing access to addiction treatment and adequate prevention measures. We have made it our mission to fight one of the most devastating of all diseases to ever be identified. Addiction. 

Lori Magoon is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and a Master’s Level Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor. Lori’s effectiveness is based on providing a welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental environment for all clients; as well as use of innovative counseling strategies with scientifically proven effectiveness. Lori stresses that as long as the individual seeking treatment is invested in his/her recovery, recovery from even the toughest of addictions is possible.

 Self-empowerment NH, LLC accepts health insurance and does offer a sliding scale for those who qualify. A variety of services are offered at our Concord location, some of which include; individual and group counseling, evaluations and presentations for parents, educators and both large and small employers in reference to signs and symptoms of substance abuse. 

To schedule an appointment or to attain more information, please contact Lori at selfempowermentnh.com or by phone at (603)470-6937.

Open the door to self-empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

Sources:

·         http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/spice-synthetic-marijuana

·         http://www.wishtv.com/news/local/franklin-gas-station-shut-down-again-after-spice-raid

New Hampshire Struggles with Substance Abuse: Why Illegal Drugs are More Prevalent and Dangerous Than Ever

New Hampshire Struggles with Substance Abuse: Why Illegal Drugs are More Prevalent and Dangerous than Ever

Illegal drugs plague the entire world as we know it. For as long as there are human beings on Planet Earth; substance abuse and addiction issues will likely exist. Though most individuals recognize that substance abuse and addiction is a large problem, few recognize substance abuse as a local issue. However, 2013 studies rank New Hampshire among the highest for rates of alcohol and drug abuse, New Hampshire ranking 5^th in the nation for Alcohol and Drug Abuse among young adults. Binge drinking among New Hampshire’s 18-25 year old population is 9% above the national average and 27% of young adults use Marijuana on a regular basis. According to the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11 percent of New Hampshire residents reported past-month use of illicit drugs, while the national average falls at 8 percent.

 

Why has Substance Abuse become a larger problem in New Hampshire?

There are several alarming new trends which contribute to substance abuse in New Hampshire. Drug prices have dropped significantly over the course of the last 20 years. Yet, the purity of illegal drugs has increased. The combination of cheaper prices and purer ingredients has authorities fearful for the large population of individuals whom struggle with substance abuse issues within the state of New Hampshire. At the global level, the British Medical Journal Open suggests that it is time to consider drug use from a public health perspective. Similar reports emphasize the role and importance of substance abuse counseling.

What Role do Substance Abuse Counselors Play?

Substance Abuse Counselors play an imperative role in decreasing illegal drug use. Most individuals who seek substance abuse treatment from an effective substance abuse counselor over an extended period of time are able to stop abusing substances. As a result, criminal activity is decreased and occupational, social and psychological functioning is significantly improved. Quality interaction between the patient and his or her treatment providers can be crucial within attaining higher quality of life for individuals suffering from addiction.

It is important to recognize that successful substance-abuse treatment requires continual evaluation and appropriate modification; two strategies utilized by substance abuse counselors. Effective substance abuse counselors practice non-judgment, and have experience in counseling individuals with many different drugs of choice, as well as individuals whom have suffered from trauma within their lifetime.

If you or someone you know suffers from substance abuse issues and is seeking treatment from an experienced and effective substance abuse counselor, Self-empowerment NH, LLC is here to help. Located in Concord, NH, Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC provides high-quality counseling services.  She specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues, and through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC is also excited to announce half and full day presentations, one in which is titled Signs and Symptoms of Youth Substance Abuse. This presentation is geared for parents and educators seeking education about youth substance abuse. Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace is another presentation which Selfempnh offers, meant to provide a valuable professional development opportunity in educating employers/employees in how substance abuse issues affect the success of businesses and organizations.

 For more information about the signs of youth drug abuse, counseling and group services and/or presentations, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

 

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.