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.