Arizona Kindergarten Teacher Charged with Selling Drugs: How Addiction Effects all Populations of Society

Arizona Kindergarten Teacher Charged with Selling Drugs:

How Addiction Effects all Populations of Society

By: Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC

A stereotypical drug addict is dirty, private and unsuccessful. He or she does not hold a profession as a fireman or police officer. Nor as a doctor or lawyer; and absolutely not as a school teacher working with small children.

 When the news of an Arizona kindergarten teacher charged with selling drugs was released, most were shocked. I, on the other-hand, an MLADC who has witnessed the devastating effects of addiction, was not. The December 6^th story of a teacher who resorted to drug sales as a means to fund her own drug habit was instantly categorized in my mind as yet another example of how addiction affects all populations of individuals. I have personally witnessed how professionals are non-exempt from the detriments associated with addiction. In reading the Union Leader article regarding the Arizona teacher’s news story; I recognized that this woman was the victim of a disease and had she been provided with proper care and support; her addiction may not have caused such an error in judgment. 

 Stereotypes associated with individuals whom suffer from drug addiction are largely inaccurate. In reality, any individual from any population, social class or career can be affected by drug addiction. Even the most well-respected, wealthy and/or educated individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol, and may find themselves making choices that they would never had made without the influence of mind-altering substances. As an MLADC, I work with remarkable, caring and talented individuals who have become victims of addiction and are in need of support.

The stereotypical American kindergarten teacher is warm, nurturing and trust-worthy. A prominent role model for young children; he/she makes good choices and sets a positive example for students. It is largely possible that this Arizona teacher modeled such qualities at one time, but began using mind-altering substances and lost sight of good judgment. Prescription drugs, (the particular drugs this teacher was charged with selling), are incredibly expensive, and it is common for individuals whom suffer from addiction to take such drastic measures as selling drugs to pay for their habit. In order to understand addiction, it is imperative to recognize that addiction is a disease. The brain chemistry of an individual who suffers from addiction is changed, and thus, the fruit of one’s addiction becomes the focus. Consequences and good judgment are compromised.

This Arizona kindergarten teacher’s story is just one example of how no population is exempt from the effects of drug addiction. As an MLADC, I have seen drug addiction affect all walks of life and am constantly confronted by the power and devastation associated with this disease. Prescription pill addiction in particular has become wildly popular, destroying lives and causing the deterioration of morals and good judgment.

We’re Here to Help!

At Self-empowerment NH, LLC, we take addiction issues personally. A counseling company located in Concord, NH; at Self-empowerment NH LLC, we understand how difficult addiction can be and have an extensive background in treating individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, to include addiction to prescription pills. We recognize that addiction effects all populations and affirm that having an issue with addiction does not mean someone is a bad person. It makes that they are someone who needs help.

Lori Magoon is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and a Master’s Level Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor. Lori’s effectiveness is based on providing a welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental environment for all clients; as well as use of innovative counseling strategies with scientifically proven effectiveness. Lori stresses that as long as the individual seeking treatment is invested in his/her recovery, recovery from even the toughest of addictions is possible. 

 Self-empowerment NH, LLC accepts health insurance and does offer a sliding scale for those who qualify. A variety of services are offered at our Concord location, some of which include; individual and group counseling, evaluations and presentations for parents, educators and both large and small employers in reference to signs and symptoms of substance abuse. 

To schedule an appointment or to attain more information, please contact Lori at selfempowermentnh.com or by phone at (603)470-6937. 

Source:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/arizona-police-kindergarten-teacher-sold-drugs-undercover-officer

               

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.

 

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 .