Battling Substance Abuse in Our Own Backyards

By Ashley Crooks, LAC, MS, CAC of Shore Counseling, LLC
Something needs to change; the substance abuse epidemic continues to worsen right in our very own backyard. It’s an epidemic that inadvertently and directly takes the lives of our loved ones each day. I believe that one of the things that needs to change is perspective. As a clinician working with substance abuse and mental health, I have noticed a few trends that often occur. One is that there is a lack of education among those that are personally suffering, as well as their parents, their friends and society as a whole. Lack of education can lead to ignorance, and thus a lack of lending a helping hand. Another trend that I have noticed is that those struggling often do not know how to ask for help, or that help is even available. This can often be directly related to the stigmatization and lack of understanding from society and loved ones.
As a masters-level and state-licensed mental health and substance abuse counselor, I hope to fight for the rights and treatment of the mentally ill and addicted, as well as to help change the level of misunderstanding surrounding those populations. After having had first-hand experience witnessing how mental health and substance abuse issues can affect one’s health, life, family and friends, I decided to devote my time and career to helping those in need. One of the reasons I devote my time and energy to helping others achieve their highest potential and well-being is because I believe that each person deserves to live a happy and full life, no matter what circumstances they are in, or afflictions they have been born with.
Mental illness and addiction is not a choice. If a person struggles with mental illness or addiction, they did not choose to be that way. Whether it is due to genetics, environmental stressors or family history, I think it is safe to say that no individual would choose to continuously feel depressed, anxious, traumatized, obsessive-compulsive or addicted to drugs. One thing that I hope we can agree on is that there is a lack of awareness, discussion, availability of treatment, funding and understanding surrounding those who struggle with these illnesses that are just as serious as any other disease.
If you or a loved one is struggling with personal issues, mental illness or substance/alcohol abuse, please call me, Ashley Crooks, at Shore Counseling at (609) 465-4448. Shore Counseling is a private practice providing psychotherapy for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Shore Counseling is located at 211 N. Main St., Suite 207, Cape May Court House. For more information, visit www.shorecounseling.com.