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. 

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.

“She Was a Nice Girl”- A Heroin Addict’s Story

“She Was a Nice Girl”- A Heroin Addict’s Story

She appears clean, well-kept and is considered fashionable in accordance with Seventeen magazine standards, with a designer blouse, dark jeans, leather shoes and jewelry which ties her outfit together perfectly. Her nails are neatly polished and her hair appears smooth and silky, pulled back in a neat ponytail. Her parents are professionals, her father an insurance salesman and her mother a first grade teacher. She grew up in a nice neighborhood with one younger sister with who she held a close relationship. Her parents were very much involved in her childhood, even paying a rather high tuition for her to attend a prestigious private high school. Surrounded by tears of sorrow and expressions of shock and disbelief, in her coffin she lies. She is a beautiful seventeen year whom could have had the brightest of futures. But she has a secret. A secret no one came to terms with until it was too late. She is a Heroin addict.

She always said she would never try drugs, president of the ‘Teens Against Substance Abuse’ organization in middle school and consistent recipient of the high honor roll. She played sports, was even voted Most Valuable Player of the girls’ soccer team. A “nice girl”, she was well liked by her teachers and peers.

Like many teens, she went through a “rebellious stage” at around age sixteen. She began dating an older boy and surrounding herself with an older crowd whom challenged authority and abused high allowances from their wealthy parents. All it took was one party. One Percocet. One was enough. She was hooked.

Soon she could not go a day without at least one Percocet. And then she began needing one every twelve hours. Every six hours. Every three. She began needing more and more to get the same result the drug had initially given her. And soon, the “feel good” (high) of the Percocet pills no longer existed. She found that she needed Percocet just to wake up in the morning and carry out a day of basic tasks. A task as simple as brushing her teeth could not even be imagined without Percocet.

Her parents were well off financially and gave her money to buy things that she wanted. But even an unusually steep teenage allowance could not fund the high price of Percocet, especially as she continued to increase her dosage of the drug. Before she knew it, the “nice girl” was stealing to buy pills. From her friends. Parents. Grandparents. She even stole from her younger sister’s piggy bank.

Dreams of becoming a veterinarian and playing college soccer were put on hold as she found herself injecting Heroin into her veins. Another addict told her that the Heroin high was comparable to the Percocet high at less than half of the cost. She cringed at the idea of injecting a needle at first. She didn’t see herself as the type of person whom would do such a thing. But she needed it. Couldn’t live without it. Didn’t care about much of anything else. Just needed the high.

Her parents were in denial. As they had always been close with their daughter, they noticed uncharacteristic behavior. The school even called expressing concerns about their daughter, as her grades were declining and she had been kicked off the soccer team for failing to attend both practices and games. They addressed the behavior of course, “grounding” their daughter and providing standard lectures. However, at the end of the day, they shrugged it off, telling themselves that their daughter was simply going through a phase and would soon come out of it. They didn’t know that their little girl wore long sleeves, even in the hot summer, as a means to cover her track marks. Or that she had gone as far as having sex with a stranger for money to fund a Heroin fix.

Eventually, her parents recognized that a drug problem existed. But they loved their daughter and trusted her enough to believe her when she said that she was fine and could quit using without professional help. Her mother, in seeing how much her daughter was suffering from withdrawal, even gave her daughter money, knowing in the back of her mind that it would more than likely find the hands of a Heroin dealer.

It was her sister whom found her unresponsive on that rainy spring morning. Her twelve year old sister. She found her surrounded by syringes, her face lifeless and her body cold as ice. The discovery was enough to send her sister into a tale-spin of depression, a depression so severe that she spent a significant amount of time in a residential mental health facility.

This story may seem like a long shot. A rare incidence. But in fact, stories like this one are increasingly common. Heroin use has spread like wild-fire in the state of New Hampshire, affecting every population, even the “nice girls and boys”. And codependence is just as common, an understandable reality. Parents are instilled with the instinct to protect their children from pain, and there is no easy way to process and support a child’s struggle with addiction.

So How Do I Ensure that My Child Does Not Meet the Same Fate that the Girl in this Story Met?

Parenting is more stressful of a job than ever. As we continue to hear about the rise of such fatal drugs as Heroin in the state of New Hampshire; support from professionals trained specifically in working with families dealing with addiction issues is more important than ever. Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues. 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 Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace is an interactive presentation geared for parents and educators seeking education about youth substance abuse. Learn about the signs and symptoms of youth substance abuse by drug of choice, and appropriate steps for intervention and recovery. 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.

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

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Heroin Robs Us of Philip Seymour Hoffman: The Frightening Reality of Substance Abuse and Overdose

Heroin Robs Us of Philip Seymour Hoffman: The Frightening Reality

of Substance Abuse and Overdose

On February 2, 2014, Hollywood and Broadway lost an exceptionally talented actor, Philiph Seymour Hoffman, to an overdose on the drug Heroin. Hoffman was highly respected, having won the Academy Award for Best Actor in the 2005 biographical film Capote, nominated three times for Best Supporting Actor and having received three Tony Award nominations for his work in theater. One might ask; how could such a talented, successful and obviously intelligent individual suffer such a death from a drug as publicly detrimental as Heroin? However, Hoffman is just one example of how even the most successful and highly-respected individuals are affected by the down-ward spiral of Heroin addiction.

In a 2011 interview with “60 Minutes”, Philip Seymour Hoffman expressed that he had struggled with substance abuse and drug and alcohol addiction in the past, but had fought this addiction. However, the power of addiction overcame Hoffman. By the beginning of 2014, Hoffman was back to his old habits. He was found unresponsive on February 2, 2014 and the cause of death was ruled to be Heroin overdose.

As an MLADC, it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that Hoffman could have been saved. Had he received adequate care and support, he may still be on the big screen today. It is too late for Hoffman. However, when it comes to others whom are suffering from Heroin addiction, (and there are many), it is not too late.

Years ago, before having entered the field of Substance Abuse Counseling, I did not think Heroin was common. I certainly did not think of Heroin as having a large role in the lives of many individuals within the state of New Hampshire. However, I now recognize the prevalence of this drug and the power it holds over individuals whom struggle with addiction.

Often, addiction to Heroin begins with the use of pain-killers or other Opiates. Since Opiates are highly addictive and very expensive, addicted individuals in “needing to get their fix” turn to Heroin. The effects of Heroin are similar to that of pain-killers and other Opiates at a significantly lower price. In other words, users do not often begin by injecting Heroin into their veins. Such methods are commonly taken after an individual’s body, mind and spirit are taken over by their drug of choice, often after having used the substance in pill form. The focus becomes getting their fix no matter the consequence.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is not the first celebrity to have passed away as a result of a drug overdose. Such individuals as Heath Ledger, Anna Nicole Smith, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain were also noted as having deceased as a result of drug addiction. And as for “non-celebrities” whom have deceased as a result of a drug addiction? Millions.

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.

Sources:

Ø  http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/05/showbiz/philip-seymour-hoffman-death/

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.