Overcoming New Hampshire’s Drinking Culture: Why You Should Stop Drinking and What You Can Do Instead

Overcoming New Hampshire’s Drinking Culture: Why You Should Stop Drinking and What You Can Do Instead

Have you ever felt like you needed to drink to have fun? How many times have you found yourself drinking more than you should have because friends around you were drinking? Have you ever drunk alcohol because, frankly, you were bored and had nothing else to do? According to ‘24/7 Wall Street’, New Hampshire has the highest per capita alcohol consumption of all 50 United States. Translation: people in the Granite State drink a whole lot of alcohol, and just because it is legal when over the age of twenty one, it does not mean it is healthy or a good choice.

How Bad Can Alcohol Really Be… I Mean, It’s Legal Right?

             Damage to the Brain-Alcohol consumption can cause blackouts, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, distorted vision, a loss of coordination, memory lapses.

Personality Changes- Drinking can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving when you shouldn’t, or having unprotected sex.

Cancer- Alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of many different Cancers, whether long or short term.

Hangovers- Is it really worth the headaches, fatigue, nausea, muscle aches, mood disturbances and blood-shot eyes?

Waste of Money- Ever paid for an alcoholic drink at a bar or restaurant. No further explanation needed.

Dependence- While some individuals are at a higher risk of Alcohol Dependence, any individual could potentially become an Alcoholic.

Empty Calories-  There are no nutritional benefits of alcoholic drinks and a standard beer, glass of wine or shot of liquor contains about 150 calories.

Death- Each year, individuals from all social classes, age groups and of both genders die from binge drinking (alcohol poisoning).

 

What Can I Do Besides Drink?

· Rethink Your Friend Group- It is Friday night and it has been a long week. You are looking to let off some steam and get together with friends. You call up Sally, text Bill, email George. They are all headed to the bar and know they will be buying rounds until they can no longer state their own name, but you are trying to refrain from too much drinking because you know that Alcoholism runs in your family and hate to spend your Saturday with an excruciating headache. You certainly do not want to spend the night alone at home, no matter how much you love your cat. So what is the solution?

When you were a kid, your parents told you to choose your friends wisely. Guess what? That still applies as an adult. In order to live a healthy lifestyle which is not centered around polluting your liver and damaging your sense of reasoning, choose friends who do not center their lives around alcohol. The people you meet when you are at the bar who describe themselves as “regulars” are more than likely not the individuals you want to add to your immediate friends circle.

· Get More Active- Research shows that people who live active lifestyles are both healthier and happier than those who do not. The trick is finding active activities that you enjoy and will actually engage it without it feeling like a chore. Depending on what appeals to you, you can try joining a gym, swimming, going for a long walk, bike riding, kayaking, skateboarding, motorcycle riding, or dancing.

· Get Creative- Engaging in creative activities is incredibly therapeutic for the human brain. Depending on your interests, you may try; taking a class on languages or art, learning to play an instrument, making a meal from scratch, developing your own recipe and cooking it for friends or family, painting a picture, re-painting a room in your home, scrapbooking, writing or look up DIY projects on Pinterest that interest you.

Other ideas:

·         Visit a zoo or museum, (there are many in New Hampshire and Massachusetts which are reasonably priced and both interesting and educational)

·         See a movie

·         Get some coffee at your favorite coffee shop

·         Attend a play at a local high school

·         Walk around the mall

·         Read a book

·         Play a board-game with family or friends, (You could even organize a “Board-game Party” where friends and family bring their favorite games to play and eat a Pot Luck Dinner)

·         Plant a flower or tree

·         Volunteer at a local food bank or shelter

·         Write a letter to a far away relative

·         Organize your photos

·         Call an old friend

·         Organize a baseball or volleyball game with friends or co-workers

·         Clean out a closet at home

·         Take a bath

·         Look through old yearbooks

·         Study the history of your town

·         Visit the Humane Society

·         Go to the library

·         Have a picnic

·         Plan your dream vacation

I Am Suffering from Addiction to Alcohol and/or Other Drugs! Where Can I 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 regarding Substance Abuse in Youth and in the Workplace, 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.

Sources:

http://247wallst.com/special-report/2012/10/10/states-that-drink-the-most-beer/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/108890-reasons-shouldnt-drink-alcohol/

How to Talk to Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol

How to Talk to Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol

By: Brittany Ford

The “ignore it and it will go away” mentality does not apply to youth substance abuse. In fact, research shows that the earlier parents begin to talk with their children about drugs and alcohol, the less likely they are to struggle with addiction issues. Yet, many parents find themselves at a loss for how to pose such a subject.

Is there a right way to talk to your child about substance abuse, and how early is too early?

It is very important that children feel comfortable talking to parents about sensitive issues, such as use the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Too often, parents attempt to protect children from the realities of such issues through avoidance, unintentionally putting their children at greater risk of unsafe behaviors and drug experimentation. If children do not receive information about drugs and alcohol from their parents, they will seek information from other sources. Depending on which sources the information is received from, this alternative could be severely detrimental.

The Earlier the Better

Although it may seem pre-mature, research shows that parents should begin talking to their children about the dangers of substance abuse as early as preschool age. Conversations do not have to be formal and “scary”. In fact, they should be casual and worked into everyday occurrences. For example, if your child is prescribed an antibiotic or another medication, use the opportunity to explain the importance of following doctor’s orders carefully when taking  medication, and only taking medication that is “prescribed”. Other “teachable moments”, such as commercials on television about use of alcohol or drugs, should be taken advantage of. Keep in mind that children at this developmental level are especially impressionable and attentive to what they are told. After all, young children are referred to as “sponges” for a reason-they seek to find answers to inquiries and understand the world around them.

Keep the Talking Consistent

Don’t make the mistake of talking about drugs once or twice with your child and failing to revisit the topic. As your child gets older, keep conversations flowing and encourage your child to contribute. Ask your child what he or she thinks about drugs and alcohol, if his/her friends has experimented with such substances, etc.  Keep in mind that the more comfortable your child feels talking with you about such sensitive  topics; the more likely he/she will come to you when confronted with pressures and temptations. Always remember that as a parent;  you hold great power in determining whether or not your child will be “drug free”. Even if your child shrugs off your voice and acts as if he/she is embarrassed by you talking to him or her about a sensitive topic, odds are they are still listening.  Remember that the power of the “conscious” is powerful, and it is often your voice they hear when determining whether something is right or wrong.

Okay….But What Exactly Do I Say?

Be honest and direct when talking about drugs and alcohol with your child. When talking with pre-teens and teenagers, do not hesitate to talk about the legal ramifications of substance abuse. Find stories about individuals who have suffered from addiction. Use discretion on details based on your child’s maturity level, but do not “sugar coat” the facts. It is important for your child to understand the realities and consequences  of poor choices. Let them know that substance abuse ruins lives.

 Younger children and pre-teens may benefit from “role playing”. Put on “skits” by assigning your kids/kid’s friends parts and developing a scrip based on scenarios when they may be confronted with substance abuse or drug experimentation . You may choose to tape the “skits” using a phone, IPAD or another device to make it more engaging-your child can watch his/her work when done.

Keep in mind that children respond best to real-world stories that they can relate to, as most young people suffer from the “it wont happen to me” and the misconception that they are invincible. Pre-teens/ teens may benefit from a  Google search  for articles about teens affected by substance abuse. Focus on scenarios that you think your child may identify with. For example, if your child is a soccer player, you may find a story about a soccer player who suffered from addiction.

“Help! My Child or a Child I Know Is Suffering From a Problem with Drugs or Alcohol!”

Unfortunately, even the best parents may find that their child is suffering from issues with substance abuse, and may be plagued with addiction. Such realities are frightening for parents and may be associated with such emotions as fear , guilt and shame. At Self-empowerment, NH LLC, we are here to tell you to stop blaming yourself and stop living in fear for your child’s well-being. Seek addiction counseling and/or family counseling today. Lori Magoon, an MLADC, has helped many individuals whom suffer from addiction and offers a number of different services for both families and individuals.

For more information, contact Lori at (603)470-6938 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

You can also visit our website at selfempowermentnh.com.

Open to the door to self empowerment. 

Scared for Our Kids: Rise in Youth Substance Abuse Numbers Concern New England Parents

Scared for Our Kids: Rise in Youth Substance Abuse Numbers Concern New England Parents

Substance abuse and addiction issues exist all around the world, and New England has certainly never been exempt from such trends. However, the law enforcement employed within New England states have been increasingly overwhelmed by rising numbers of substance abuse related crimes and incidents. Substance abuse issues exist in all populations,  but has become especially prevalent in youth.

In his state of address last week, Maine Republican Governor Paul LePage stated, “We must confront a troubling epidemic. It’s tearing at the social fabric of our communities. We are losing the war on drugs.”

Lepage requested the addition of an additional fourteen drug enforcement agents to the team of thirty two, four drug prosecutors and four judges to serve exclusively in special drug courts.

On the New Hampshire front, law enforcement has expressed that the largest issue they are facing is Heroin. According to The Associated Press, at least 61 people died of Heroin overdoses in New Hampshire in 2013, compared with 38 the previous year.

In a New Hampshire State address, Hassan stated, “New Hampshire has among the highest rates in the country of drug and alcohol abuse and dependence but ranks at the bottom in accessing treatment. We must focus on improving access to treatment for all substances, especially among our young people.”

So what does this increase in substance abuse trends and larger supplies of dangerous illegal drugs mean for New England families?  Parents are worried about their kids. And they should be.

“I am worried about my child experimenting with drugs and alcohol or have suspicions that abuse is already occurring. What can I do to stop this?”

According to The National Crime Prevention Council, the main reason that kids do not use tobacco, alcohol or drugs is because of their parents. Here are some ways in which parents can work to prevent youth substance abuse:

Ø  Bring back family dinner-Americans are busy people, (sports, activities, homework, work, you name it…). However, research shows that parents sitting down to eat with their children at least a few times a week serves as a means to facilitate stronger relationships and effective communication.

Ø  Ask quality questions- Most parents have asked their child a question only to be given a one word answer. Practice asking your child quality questions, open ended questions in which a one word or yes or no answer will not suffice.

Ø  Listen with a non-judgmental ear- If your child approaches you with something or answers a question in an unexpected way, practice responding non-judgmentally. Focus on the fact that your child felt comfortable coming to you and recognize the importance of maintaining an open line of communication.

Ø  Know your child’s friends- Peer influences are a large indicator of whether or not your child will experiment with drugs and alcohol. Always know where your children are, what your children are doing and with whom they are with.

Where Should You Turn if You or Your Child are Suffering from Addiction?

 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 regarding Substance Abuse in Youth and in the Workplace, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937(603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

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

Sources:

Ø  http://www.ncpc.org/topics/drug-abuse/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs

Ø  http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20140210/THISJUSTIN/702109970/0/FRONTPAGE

Call

Send SMS

Add to Skype

You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype