An Existing Drug Problem in Ky

       After being in Mental Health for 11+ years and a Chemical Dependency Counselor for 3 years I am applaud that a physician, such as Rand Paul could suggest that Kentucky does not have a drug problem. I have witnessed and counseled individuals who are highly addicted to drugs. These individuals are as young as 11 years old through elderly adulthood. Approximately, 98% of these individuals have stated that they started smoking at the age of 9 or 10 years old. Since, they were not getting fulfilled from smoking cigarettes, they began using pot and other hard core drugs.This may not appear to be an issue for some individuals, but being a Counselor it is for me. I will demonstrate why this is an enormous issue for our beautiful State of Kentucky and why action needs to be taken to abolish this issue.
           First of all, how does drug use begin? I would compare drug use as I have to my patients much like a wheel on a bicycle. For instance, imagine the wheel on a bicycle turning in a circle. Drug use can be demonstrated such as this. The cycle begins when a person uses drugs for the first time. Then, the cycle continues when the person develops what is called the "liking effect". Next, the cycle continues to spin around when the "liking effect" develops into a "wanting effect". Then, this "wanting effect" develops into the "liking effect". This drug cycle just continues to spin around in a circle.

         Drug use can also be described much like riding a bicycle. For instance, a person takes their first puff of weed just like a person getting on a bicycle for the first time. Then you realize you like the effect it gives you. Next, you start wanting to use the drug again like a person wanting to ride their bike again. This liking leads to wanting, ect. It's once, again a continuous cycle until you either come to a steep hill in the road that brings you to a halt or you get caught by your parents, police, ect.
          What persuades these individuals to continue using? Individuals who are addicts continue using drugs because they have a small area in their brain that gives them that "liking effect". This area of the brain is called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small area of the brain that controls a person's emotions, such as the "liking effect".
          The "liking effect" causes them to desire drugs more and more. My patients have stated that they first started smoking cigarettes, then they used marijuna, then they began experimenting with other drugs. This occurs because the effects of a particular drug wears off or they do not get the results they desire. They began using drugs such as Cocaine, Crank, Meth, and Heroine. Unfortunately, drug addiction is difficult to overcome, so these individuals are continuously needing therapy.
            There are several preventative measures to take to abolish this issue. For instance, educating our children as much as necessary about drug use. Another suggestion is to provide more supervision for children, such as after school activities. Furthermore, stricter policies and laws preventing drug distribution need to be mandated. Overall, children need stability, understanding and guidance to prevent them from experimenting with drugs. Without collaboration from parents, teachers, Counselors, Therapists, Social Workers, and Doctors this is not going to resolve itself. Therefore, we must be willing to take action.

Craddock Times: To Vote or Not to Vote:Why Bother?

Craddock Times: To Vote or Not to Vote:Why Bother?: " It is heart-breaking that numerous Americans do not utilize what our Forefathers fought so diligently to create ..."

To Vote or Not to Vote:Why Bother?

           

                It is heart-breaking that numerous Americans do not utilize what our Forefathers fought so diligently to create for us all: the beautifully crafted Constitution. We are all aware of the fact that embedded in this marvelous document are the Amendments and Bill of Rights. Although there are 27 Amendments total, the First Amendment (freedom of speech) is what I want to emphasize. This Amendment must have been significant to our Forefathers because it is the First Amendment. It is perplexing that this Amendment provides Americans with special privileges unlike numerous other countries, but Americans still do not invest in it.

            

              In order to find out why this Amendment has been neglected by numerous Americans, I decided to do some investigation. Being that I spend so many hours at my workplace, I decided to start here. I asked several people if they were registered to vote. They said "yes" that they were registered, however they did not vote. I asked them why not? Some of their responses were: they felt all politicians were the same, my vote does not count for much, and I'm just not into politics. All these responses truly disturbed me. The reasons being that I'm an advocate for voting, I believe you should use your rights that are so freely provided for you by The Constitution, and that I am proactive in assisting my political party in my spare time.

              

               

               For the individuals who stated that they did vote (including me), we realize that all these responses are not true. For instance, we realize that our voices need to be heard indirectly by voting. We also believe that every vote does count, so we flock to the polls on Election Day to cast our votes. We also get involved in voting because we believe that every politician is different. We also realize that in order to create a better America for us all, collaberation and voting are essential. 

              Overall, we all need to take pride in the accomplishments of our Forefathers by taking advantage of the Constitution. Our Forefathers created The Constitution so that America could become a more prosperous country. Furthermore, I believe that many of us do not realize how privileged we are in having so many rights. Many countries do not get to voice their opinions and they do not get to vote for who is elected into office. Just think, we could have politicians in office that we all agree were not suitable for leading our country if we were not given the right to vote. Therefore, we need to get involved in what we believe is right for our country by volunteering for political parties, canvassing, and encouraging voters to vote. If people are not willing to volunteer, then at least attempt to go to the polls on Election Day. Afterall, voting is similar to playing the lottery, if you do not vote than you have no chance of winning.