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

               

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 .