Parents of Opioid Addicts: How to Cope with the Devastation

Parents of individuals addicted to Opioids are not always bad parents. In fact, most are great parents whom have devoted their lives to their children. Many of them may even have been involved in PTO, coached their child’s soccer team or dressed as Santa Clause every Christmas. Many individuals hear about young people addicted to Opioids, including Heroin, and automatically assume that these young people grew up with neglectful parents. In reality, it is just not true. Even the best parents can have children addicted to Opioids, and even the best children can become Opioid addicts.

 So how does it feel to be the parent of an Opioid addict? If you have discovered that your child is addicted to Opioids or know a parent who has, you know that such a realization can be devastating. Most parents go through a grieving process, to include a stage of denial. No parent wants to hear that their child is addicted to a drug, and it is a natural human reaction to abstain from acceptance of truly painful news.

 Parents of Opioid addicts often find that their child becomes unrecognizable. From outward appearance to drastic personality changes, Opioid addiction transforms individuals into horrible versions of their former selves. Addicts are typically driven by one motivator, (their drug of choice), and will do almost anything to obtain it. This may mean lying, cheating, stealing and/or harming others. When addicted to Opioids, the most kindhearted and honest individual may become sneaky, selfish and destructive.

 As a parent of an Opioid addict, the respect of your child’s property is no longer a factor. Opioid abuse should be treated like any other life-threatening disease. You have the right to intervene and take such actions as searching your child’s room. It is always better to be “safe than sorry”. Recognizing the signs of drug use and addiction can help you take immediate and necessary steps to saving your child’s life.

 By nature, parents are nurturers. Parents are instilled with an instinct of codependence, constantly seeking to “fix” the problems of their children. Although difficult, it is important for parents to separate themselves from their child’s addiction, recognizing that this problem is not one that mom or dad can fix. Codependence will only metastasize the addiction.

No parent wants their child to “hate” them, and they will, (for a little while). When you first confront your child about his/her addiction and/or host an intervention, your child will demonstrate anger, resentment and may even use some alarming choice words. It is imperative that you abstain from backing down and recognize that you are doing the right thing even if coming to terms with your child’s addiction is heart-breaking.

Instead of living in denial, it is imperative that parents come to turns with their child’s addiction. By recognizing the signs of addiction and taking appropriate measures once a substance abuse issue is recognized, parents may inadvertently save their child’s life. Too many parents accept their child’s addiction too late, (when their child has passed away from a Heroin overdose).

There is nothing that could ever make parenting an Opioid addict easy. However, the following are suggestions for coping with such a condition:

1.)     Accept that addiction is a disease. An individual who suffers from addiction will continue to use his/her substance of choice regardless of consequences. This lack of reason relates to chemical changes in the brain, specifically within Mesolimbic Dopamine System. The Mesolimbic Dopamine System regulates pleasurable experiences such as food, sex and other “feel goods”. Repetitive drug use overstimulates the pleasure system. Thus, addicts, (to include Opioid addicts), lose the ability to control and satisfy their cravings.

2.)     Do Things for Yourself- As a parent battling your child’s Opioid addiction, it may seem that your whole world is consumed by overwhelming worry and fear. However, it is important to take time for yourself and make active attempts of relaxation. Take a bubble bath. Invite your partner or a friend on a long walk. Get a massage.

3.)     Attend Family Counseling. Addiction is largely a family disease, meaning that addiction does not only affect the addicted individual, but the friends and family of the addicted individual as well. Family counseling can help rebalance the family dynamic, improve communication among family members, and provide family members with a much needed safe environment in which they can express fears, anger and other concerns.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord, New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions. As an organization, we have a great deal of experience in working with individuals suffering from Opioid addiction, as well as families of Opioid addicts. Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC offers individual counseling, family and couples counseling and group services. Selfempnh now also offers presentations about signs, symptoms and the appropriate intervention measures of substance abuse for parents and educators.

For more information about the services Self Empowerment NH, LLC offers, please contact Lori at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com. You can also visit the organization’s website at selfempowermentnh.com.

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

 

From Pills to Heroin: Rates of Opioid Abuse High in New Hampshire

From Pills to Heroin: Rates of Opioid Abuse High in New Hampshire

No one likes to be in pain. Thus, it makes perfect sense for medical professionals to prescribe Opioid pain-killers as a method of pain management for clients whom require such. When Opioids are used as directed under medical supervision, such medications can be both effective and non-addictive. Unfortunately, this is not often the case and Opioid abuse has become a large problem within the state of New Hampshire.

The use of prescription Opioids for other than their medical purpose is considered abuse. Opioid abuse is alarming for several reasons. Since Opioids are depressant drugs, they slow down the part of the brain that controls breathing. They are also highly addictive and are associated with detrimental long term social, financial and emotional effects. Opioid abuse may also cause menstrual irregularities, mood swings, constipation and a decreased interest in sex. Opioid overdose can be fatal.

Prescription Opioids are very expensive and can be difficult to obtain. As a result, addicted parties often turn to Heroin, (a cheaper and more easily obtainable drug with similar effects). In New Hampshire, authorities have seen a dramatic increase in Heroin use, even suggesting an ultimate high rate of Opioid abuse within the state.

The possession and distribution of Opioids is regulated by federal law. Use of such drugs is only legal when prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. However, based on the high demand for Opioids, pills are often stolen from health facilities or sold to addicted parties by individuals with prescriptions.

Most Opioid addictions begin with a legal prescription. An individual may be prescribed Opioid pain-killers for pain-management and find that when their pain is gone and the prescription runs out, they are unable to stop using the medication. Soon, they are not thinking clearly and taking illegal measures to obtain pills. They may even resort to using Heroin when they can no longer afford the high price of illegal Opioid pain-killers.

How do You Know that You are Addicted to Opioids?

If you were prescribed Opioid pain-killers and are concerned that addiction has already manifested or may manifest in the future, there are several questions that you might ask yourself:

• Do you find yourself taking larger amounts of Opioids or taking Opioids over a longer period than was intended?
• Do you experience urges, cravings or strong desires to use Opioids?
• Do you experience a persistent desire for Opioids?
• Have you engaged in unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Opioid use?
• Have you spent a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of the Opioid?
• Have you continued to use Opioids despite experiencing persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of Opioids?
• Do you use Opioids in a fashion that results in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home?
• Have you given up or reduced important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of Opioid use?
• Have you continued to use Opioids in physically hazardous situations?
• Do you feel that you have developed a tolerance to Opioids, (either a need for increased amounts of Opioids to achieve intoxications or desired effect, or a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an Opioid)?
• Have you continued to use Opioids despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems that are likely to have been caused or worsened by the substance?
• Have you experienced withdrawal from Opioids?

Opioid abuse is not a problem which is diminishing, but is instead becoming more prevalent. Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord, New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, including addictions to Opioids. If you or someone you know is struggling with an Opioid addiction, or any other addiction, Selfempnh can help; as we are here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. For more information, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

Trick, Not a Treat: Reports of Krokodil Use Make Cause for Concern this Halloween Season

Trick, Not a Treat

Reports of Krokodil Use Make Cause for Concern this Halloween Season

This Halloween season, belly aches from excess candy corn consumption are the least of the public’s worries. There have been several reports of Krokodil, or Desomorphine use within The United States, and authorities feel that this drug could soon take the place of Heroin.

Krokodil, or Desomorphone, is an Opioid. Thus, like other Opioids, this drug has a sedative and analgesic effect. Krokodil is attractive to Opioid dependent individuals because it can easily be made with paint thinner, Hydrochloric Acid, lighter fluid, Red Phosphorus, Codine and Iodine. Since Desomorphone can be “homemade”, it is both cheaper and more easily attainable than such Opioids as Heroin and Oxycodone. In that it is eight times more potent than most other Opioids and incredibly fast-acting; Krokodil or Desomorphone use is an alarming trend this fall.

Krokodil use is new within The United States. However, this drug has been popular in other countries for a number of years and is specifically prevalent in Russia. The term Krokodil derives from the Russian word for crocodile, as one of the drug’s side effects includes the development of green and scaly skin. Other side effects of this drug include; abcesses, gangrene, blood vessel rupture, tissue damage, deterioration of motor skills, severe brain damage and death. Chronic Desomorphone users should not expect to live longer than two to three years. This can be compared to an average 6-7 year life-span o of an individual after becoming a Heroin addict.

As Krokodil is an Opioid, it is highly addictive. As it becomes more prevalent within The United States, it is expected that addiction rates will rise. If you are concerned that someone you know may be suffering from an addiction this Halloween season, look for the following signs:

·         Changes in appetite, sleep patterns and/or weight

·         Blood shot eyes or pupil dilation

·         Unusual smells on clothing, breath or body

·         Tremors, impaired coordination and/or slurred speech

·         Deterioration of school or work attendance/performance

·         Unexplained financial problems

·         Engagement in secret or suspicious behavior

·         Changes in attitude or personality

·         Sudden mood swings

·         Lack of motivation

·         Periods of unusual hyperactivity and paranoia

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord, New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions. If you or someone you know is struggling with Krokodil addiction, or any other addiction, Selfempnh can help, as we are here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. For more information, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

The Rise of Heroin in our Youth: How Parents Can Help Their Children

 

Lyrics by the popular band Wasted Youth titled We Were on Heroin state, “I need it, I must have it, Kill and steal and fight to get it, I need it, must have it, Holes in my arms mean nothing, I need it, I’ll lose everything I own to buy it, just to have it.” No one knows how true such words are than the parents of a child addicted to Opioids or Heroin. They have witnessed the devastation and desperation associated with this addiction and likely feel anger, helplessness and despair as a result.

In recent years, our society has seen a disturbing rise in Heroin use and both Opioid and Heroin addiction in the youth population. According to health providers and figures within the criminal justice system, many young people begin their drug use through pharmaceutical-type Opioids, such as Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. Such pharmaceutical-type Opioids can be found in many medicine cabinets, and thus are easily accessible to youth. When individuals can no longer afford expensive pharmaceutical-type Opioids, they find themselves turning to Heroin, a much less expensive substance with effects similar to those of pharmaceutical Opioids.

It is important for parents of youth addicted to Opioids and Heroin to recognize that they are not alone. Many parents find themselves overwhelmed with grief as they watch their children attempt to overcome addiction to Opioids and Heroin. Parents may blame themselves for their child’s addiction, often distancing themselves from friends and family due to overwhelming feelings of shame and guilt. Self Empowerment NH, LLC is here to remind you that as a parent, you are not responsible for your child’s addiction, but you are an essential component to your child’s recovery.

Self Empowerment NH, LLC recognizes that addiction is a family-wide problem, and that youth Opioid and Heroin addiction can cause grief for the friends and family of the addicted individual. Self Empowerment NH, LLC seeks to help those suffering from addiction, as well as the families of such individuals. Through such research-based practices as family counseling and support group systems for families struggling with Opioid, Heroin and other addictions, Self Empowerment, NH LLC can help open the doors to a brighter tomorrow.

Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC

selfempowermentnh@gmail.com

(603)470-6937