Bath Salts: Not Meant for Bubble Baths

Bath Salts: Not Meant for Bubble Baths

The term Bath Salts has been featured in the media quite a bit this year. However, the Bath Salts the media has been referring to are not meant for luxurious bubble baths. Bath salts, also known as "Ivory Wave," "Purple Wave," Vanilla Sky," and "Bliss" are Methylenedioxypyrovalerone; designer drugs which contain synthetic chemicals that are similar to Amphetamines. Despite the misleading label, Bath Salts do not have anything to do with hygiene, and the exact chemicals present within this drug are currently unknown.

In recent months, Bath Salt use has become prevalent within the American youth population. The reported effects of Bath Salts are disturbing and include; hallucinations, kidney pain, chest pain, nausea, heightened blood pressure, muscle tension, suicidal thinking/behavior, agitation, paranoia, delusions, confusion, an increased pulse and drug induced violence. There have also been several reports of individuals dying from the abuse of such designer drugs as Bath Salts; both through the medical effects of this drug and through the actions inspired by a Bath Salt high.  

Bath Salts, like other designer drugs, can be taken in many different ways, including through; shooting, snorting and mixing with food and drink. Individuals who normally use Cocaine or Methamphetamine as their drug of choice may choose to use such designer drugs as Bath Salts, as the high is similar to that of such “upper” drug. Bath Salts are strong stimulants and have been considered highly addictive, producing intense cravings on part of addicted individuals.

In addition to looking for the reported effects of bath salts as listed above, concerned individuals may recognize a designer drug user through such signs as euphoria (“high”), sexual stimulation and a heightened sense of focus and energy for a period of two to four hours. Parents should talk to their children about the serious dangers associated with designer drugs, particularly Bath Salts. As designer drugs are often easily accessible, young people are often unaware of the serious risks associated with such substances. It is imperative for all individuals, particularly youth, to be made aware of the multiple severe medical and emotional complications which are associated with Bath Salt abuse, including the risk of death.

The diagnosis of Bath Salt addiction often involves the gathering of medical, family and mental-health information. As such designer drugs are highly addictive; the process of recovery requires intensive therapy and support from the loved ones of the addicted individual.

 At Self Empowerment NH, LLC, we specialize in addiction therapy; offering services by a Certified Mental Health Clinician and Master’s level Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Our philosophy focuses on families, recognizing that when an individual is struggling with substance abuse; his or her entire family is affected. Self Empowerment NH, LLC has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, and seeks to communicate the message that addicted individuals and the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction are not alone. Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

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

 

 

The Five Principles of Marriage Counseling

The Five Principles of Marriage Counseling

Any individual who has said “I do” recognizes that marriage can be extremely difficult. Along with great rewards come serious challenges, and both partners must put forth an adequate amount of effort in order for a marriage to be successful. When a couple faces marital problems, the sooner problems are addressed and resolved the better. However, it is common for struggling couples to replay old arguments, find themselves consumed with anger, and resurrect past hurts, as conflicts often remain unresolved for long periods of time. Based on such common human patterns as failing to resolve issues and acknowledge emotions, it is a logical step for couples to seek the support of a professional.

The first principle of marriage counseling involves shifting the views of the relationship in question; the process of helping both partners understand their own behavior, as well as the behavior of their partner. The counselor works to observe exchanges between both partners, and seeks to identify the factors which dictate interactions. A variety of counseling strategies are used within marriage counseling, but a universal goal of such therapy involves supporting couples in understanding their own behavior and feelings, the behavior and feelings of their partner, and the positive and negative impacts of their interaction.

The second principle of marriage counseling involves modification of dysfunctional behavior. Effective marriage counseling seeks to encourage changes in the way in which couples interact and treat each other. This step may involve formal and careful assessment in making a determination about any client risks as a result of a dysfunctional environment. In the case of non-severe risks, the counselor may initiate procedures meant to decrease escalation of conflict, and/or make recommendations about additional steps a couple can take to better themselves and their situations.

Marriage counseling recognizes that emotional avoidance is common in struggling/at risk marriages, and the third principle of marriage counseling refers to decreasing emotional avoidance. When couples avoid expressing their feelings, they often become emotionally distant and may find themselves growing apart.

There are several therapeutic approaches which a counselor may take in effective marriage counseling in relationship to treating emotional avoidance. One approach that may be taken within marriage counseling is called attachment based couples therapy, a method which encourages partners to feel less afraid of expressing needs for closeness by identifying a failure to develop secure emotional attachments in childhood. Another approach that may be taken is known as behaviorally based therapy, a strategy based on the assumption that adults often fear expression of their true feelings due to a lack of “reinforcement” from others. Though there are multiple approaches for treating emotional avoidance in marriage counseling; all share the common goal of developing increased closeness and a more deepened understanding of one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of one’s partner.

The fourth principle of marriage counseling is the improvement of communication between a married couple. Effective communication serves as an imperative ingredient within intimacy, and marriage counseling often involves coaching individuals to speak to each other in more compassionate and supportive words. Counselors often support married individuals in learning to listen more actively and empathetically; as therapy recognizes that effective communication is not only about expressing one’s own feelings, but also about listening to others and considering the emotions and needs of their partner.

The fifth principle of marriage counseling refers to promoting strengths. When marriages are “in trouble”, it is easy to pin-point weaknesses and problem areas. However, marriage counseling recognizes the importance of promoting a marriage’s strengths as well. In effective marriage counseling, the counselor encourages the couple to define strengths themselves and build upon them, outlining a couple’s positive aspects as much as possible.

Individuals in struggling marriages often experience immense stress, remorse and anger. They may feel tempted to give up and lose hope that they will ever feel happiness with their partner again. It is important for married couples to recognize that marriage counseling can be an effective means of strengthening their relationship. Through the five principles of effective marriage counseling, couples are provided with the opportunity to share emotions, communicate effectively and both build and maintain a closer and healthier relationship. Self-empowerment NH, LLC, a counseling company located in Concord, NH uses the five principles of marriage counseling to support couples in improving their relationships. Specific assessment measures are taken as a means to identify a couple’s needs, the nature of a couple’s interactions and a couple’s strengths and weaknesses. Such assessments are used as a catalyst for treating individual couples and initiating more positive and healthy marriages. If you or someone you know is interested in seeking effective marriage counseling, contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com. Open the door to self-empowerment.

 

 

 

Not Natural-The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Not Natural-The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Though synthetic marijuana products, also known as K2 or spice, can be found for sale in local convenience stores, they are not natural and are not safe. Marketed as developed from “100% organic herbs”, manufacturers of synthetic marijuana insinuate that their products are risk-free and a “safe alternative” to Cannabis. As a larger number of the young population has turned to K2 as their drug of choice, parents and educators have a new cause for concern.

Since the introduction of this product in 2002, use of synthetic marijuana has escalated tremendously. Since it is cheap, can be obtained easily at convenience stores nationwide, and does not trigger a positive result on a urine drug test; spice has skyrocketed within the young community and has become a cause of concern for parents around the country. Researchers have also increased their findings in regards to synthetic marijuana, and experts argue that  K2 is not safe.

Despite contrary belief, completely natural spice does not exist. Synthetic marijuana has been found to contain chemicals produced in laboratories, chemicals with unknown and potentially harmful effects to the human brain. K2 has been associated with such effects as; a racing heartbeat and heightened blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, severe agitation and anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures and tremors, suicidal behavior, intense hallucinations and psychotic episodes. Poison control experts have labeled synthetic marijuana as a risk to the public’s health and a hazard to public safety, specifically in regards to the nation’s young population.

It is imperative that parents are aware of the dangerous effects of spice, as young people should be educated about the hazards of synthetic marijuana by individuals that they trust. K2 comes in various colors, to include red, blonde, green and brown. It is sold in small packages and consists of a mixture of dried leaves. The ingredients in spice have changed multiple times since the substance’s introduction, originally containing the chemical HU-210 and now containing CP 47, 497 and JWH-018. This ingredient change was based on HU-210’s classification as a controlled substance, thus illegal within The United States.

According to product reviews, synthetic marijuana produces a high which is similar to but shorter than the high of smoking marijuana.  It also looks similar to marijuana in that it consists of green leaves and twigs. However, K2 is a very different substance than Cannabis. Spice consists of any variety of different herbs which are soaked within synthetic chemicals. Synthetic marijuana is also associated with risky behavior and serious medical side effects which are not necessarily associated with Cannabis.

If you, your child or someone else you know has an issue with synthetic marijuana use, you are not alone. Self Empowerment NH, LLC, a private counseling company out of Concord, New Hampshire, has experience in addiction counseling for both legal and illegal substances and specific experience in supporting individuals with spice addiction. For more information, contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

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

 

 

 

 

Why Does Marriage Counseling Work- How Professional Supprt Can Help Strengthen Your Marriage

Why Does Marriage Counseling Work? – How Professional Support Can Help Strengthen Your Marriage

Couples seek marriage counseling for many different reasons. For some couples, counseling may be a strategy for solving mild issues and making small improvements within their relationship. For others, counseling may serve more as a last resort, the last effort before deciding that the marriage is over.  Whatever the reasoning may be for seeking counseling; professional support can help individuals understand underlying emotions, decrease disconnection and resolve and strengthen their marriages.

Most individuals experience apprehension before engaging in marriage counseling. They may worry that counseling sessions will serve as a new battleground, the counselor simply a mediator deciphering which party is right and which party is wrong. It is imperative for couples whom seek counseling to avoid this train of thinking and to recognize that a counselor’s role is indeed the opposite. Marriage counseling is effective because it does not involve the initiation of arguing or nagging, but instead encourages individuals to communicate effectively, listen actively and understand patterns of behavior.

Couples engaging in marital therapy are provided with an opportunity to hear and understand their partner in a new way. Humans naturally feel less defensive when they are provided with a sense of being heard, and counseling can provide individuals with the opportunity to make their feelings known, not only to others but to themselves as well.

Marriage counseling recognizes that every couple is different and there is no set right or wrong way to function within a relationship. In this way, marriage counseling is a “judgment-free zone”. The counselor provides a safe place for partners to resolve conflict, modify dysfunctional behavior, improve communication skills and build on strengths.

Marriage counseling recognizes the research proven fact that people whom are married or in long term relationships tend to be healthier, both in a physical and emotional sense. Professional support can help individuals become the best versions of themselves, and thus; build stronger romantic relationships.

Self-empowerment NH, LLC, a counseling company out of Concord, New Hampshire, stands on the argument that the dedication and work involved in attending marriage counseling is worth such benefits as recaptured connection and romance. If you or someone you know is in a romantic relationship which is struggling and is interested in engaging within marriage counseling, Self-empowerment NH, LLC can help.  As a result of attaining counseling services at this agency, you may even learn something new about yourself and your loved one.

For  more information about our programs, contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

Addiction and Family Therapy

Addiction and Family: How Family Therapy Can Help

Anger. Confusion. Resentment. Remorse.  Denial. When a family member is struggling with addiction, emotions are high and tension is thick. All members within a family are affected by the disease, and the road to recovery can be a bumpy one.

Groups such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon provide support to families and friends of individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as opportunities to make connections with others.  However, professional therapy is an imperative step in recovery from addiction. Meeting with a therapist can help establish balance within a family dynamic, improve the quality of communication among family members and provide a safe environment for families to express their emotions.

Family therapy involves multiple therapeutic approaches and the philosophy that a family is a system containing “parts” which are connected to one another. Such a philosophy states that when any “part” of such system changes, changes occur in all “parts”, recognizing that parts of a system are interconnected. Family therapy builds upon the strengths and resources of a family unit to overcome such issues as addiction. Family therapy also seeks to evaluate the impact chemical dependency has had on a family, encouraging individuals to process emotions and resolve tension. Family therapy is meant to provide a family with the support required to overcome addiction and strengthen relationships.

When a family struggling with addiction seeks professional treatment, the family is considered the system or unit and the individual suffering from addiction is considered the subsystem. The therapist helps a family consider the repercussions of the addicted party and works to facilitate problem-solving and discussion among all family members.

At Self-empowerment NH LLC, family therapy is based on the philosophy that people react in accordance to how they think and feel. Through elimination of negative perceptions, family therapy seeks to eliminate dysfunctional patterns which may relate to the development of addiction and/or the recovery process. Several research based counseling models are utilized at Self-empowerment NH, LLC and Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC, helps families evaluate the means in which their emotions, feelings and thoughts influence their own behavior; as well as the behavior of their family members.

In addiction recovery, specifically substance abuse addiction recovery, family therapy seeks to support families in the healing process and in improving communication and overall interaction between family members. Self-empowerment NH, LLC recognizes that regardless of whether the addicted individual within a family is a parent or child, the entire family system is in need of change. By encouraging family systems to work together to make mutual goals and to learn to work together more effectively, all individuals within a family can benefit from family therapy.

It is common for more than one family member to struggle with addiction. Because of this, family therapy promotes prevention, seeking to end the shift of substance abuse from one generation to another. By involving all family members in an addicted individual’s road to recovery, the probability that more than one family member will begin to struggle with substance abuse is significantly lowered.

If you or a family member is struggling with addiction, Self-empowerment NH, LLC can help. Our agency is dedicated to strengthening family units and promoting both prevention and recovery. You are not alone. Let us help you open the door to self-empowerment.

To learn more about our programs, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC by phone (603)470-6937 or by email at selfempowermentnh@gmail.com .