Justin Bieber Arrested for Drunk Driving: How Celebrity Influence Contributes to Substance Abuse Issues

Justin Bieber Arrested for Drunk Driving: How Celebrity Influence Contributes to Substance Abuse Issues

From the clothes we wear and the way in which we talk, to the food we eat and the unfortunate substance abuse habits we model after; it cannot be argued that youth and adults alike are influenced by celebrities. Since it is common for the “rich and the famous” to struggle with substance abuse and addiction issues, (perhaps due to pressures from the media, monetary resources, the non-traditional celebrity lifestyle or a combination of the three), celebrity substance abuse sends the message that the abuse of substances is acceptable, and perhaps even trendy.

When Justin Bieber was arrested on the morning of January 23, 2014 for drunk driving, resisting arrest and driving without a valid license, fans were sent the message that drinking and driving is okay, “Even Justin Bieber does it…” The smile in Bieber’s mug shot which went viral immediately after release sent the message “Yeah, I got arrested. No big deal…”

What is perhaps the most concerning of Bieber’s arrest, (aside from his acts of endangering others by driving while intoxicated) is that the majority of Justin Bieber’s fan base consists of young teens whom are especially impressionable and may have newly attained a driver’s license or are in the process of working to attain one. They are entering an age when the decisions they make have the potential for lasting impact and “role models” like Bieber are inadvertently destructive behaviors, especially in regards to substance abuse.Bieber is by no means the first celebrity to make headlines in regards to substance abuse and addiction related run-ins with the law. Such celebrities as Amanda Bynes, Kesha, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan (to name a few) have also been featured in the news as having substance abuse and addiction issues, as well as legal issues associated with substance abuse. It is very common for anyone whom suffers from addiction to experience legal trouble.

21^st Century society is plagued with pressures. Media influence has extended far beyond the tabloids in the aisles of the grocery store. Kids, teens and adults alike are all bombarded with messages intended to influence perception of the way in which they should live their lives. It is essential to recognize that there is nothing glamorous, romantic or admirable about substance abuse and/or addiction. What may begin as stress-relief (“self-medicating”) or a surge of pleasure/numbness quickly metastasizes into a downward self-destructive spiral. Addiction ruins lives.

Where Should You Turn if You 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 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.
 You are not alone. Open the door to self-empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

‘Breaking Bad’ Inspired Toys: How Media Influence Leads to Youth Drug Use

‘Breaking Bad’ Inspired Toys: How Media Influence Leads to Youth Drug Use

Active viewers would agree that ‘Breaking Bad’ is a wildly entertaining show. Bryan Cranston plays Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable Lung Cancer. White is diagnosed with terminal Cancer at the beginning of the series. In an effort to create financial security for his family, White begins producing and selling Methamphetamine. For adults who are able to separate fantasy from reality, the show provides entertainment and even highlights some of the dangers associated with the development of an illegal substance like Meth. However, regarding the dangers of Methamphetamine and youth’s susceptibility to negative media influence; most parents would agree that this program should have no place on a child or young adult’s “watch list”.

Negative media influence is no new problem. In fact, the media has been a detrimental influence on young people since ‘media’ came into existence in the first place. However, what happens when drug paraphernalia products are developed exclusively for children? How would you feel if your child or a child whom you care about was playing with a Lego inspired toy Methamphetamine lab?

According to the Daily Mail, the Independent US company Citizen Brick has developed a 500-part toy set to include all of the drug paraphernalia used in the American television show ‘Breaking Bad’. Children can now mimic Walter White’s actions in the show at home and practice the steps to the development of Methamphetamine from the privacy of their own play-room. Many parents and other adults from The United States are understandably concerned about the influence a toy like this could have on youth. Citizen Brick “prided themselves” in the realistic details of the Methamphetamine toy lab, and disturbingly, the toy sold out soon after being put on store shelves.

Methamphetamine is a large problem within The United States, to include the state of New Hampshire. A dangerous mixture of potentially fatal poisons, Methamphetamine is largely addictive and severely detrimental to an individual’s health and well-being. The chemicals used in Meth are so powerful and harmful that “meth labs”, (places used to cook Methamphetamine like the Citizen Brick’s Lego inspired set seeks to mimick) often must be destroyed and are deemed unlivable. 

So how can parents fight back to media and protect their children from negative influence, (besides not purchasing ‘Breaking Bad’ inspired toys? The media’s influence is incredibly strong and incredibly difficult to shield youth from. As a parent, the best thing to do is maintain honesty and an open line of communication. Talk to your children about the dangers of drugs, including Methamphetamine. Explain that it is not always good to aspire after what is seen on television, movies, magazines, (and even toys) and go as far as to give examples of why. As a parent, you are a strong influence in your child’s life. Serve as a positive role model yourself and abstain from drug use and excessive alcohol consumption, (especially around your child). 

Methamphetamine (Meth) related issues are not diminishing, nor are negative influences within the media.  Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord, New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, including addictions to Methamphetamine. If you or someone you know is struggling with a Meth addiction, or any other addiction, Selfempnh can help; as we are here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. We offer a variety of different services, some of which include; individual and group counseling, support groups, evaluations and presentations for parents, educators and workplaces regarding signs and symptoms of substance abuse. For more information, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.