Alcoholism and drug addiction is taking a toll on the American family. As a result, 8.3 million children in the United States, approximately 11 percent, live with at least one parent who is in need of treatment for alcohol or drug-dependency. One in four children under the age of 18 are living in a home where alcoholism or drug addiction is a fact of daily life. Countless others are exposed to illegal drug use in their families. Even though we would like to think our community is free from the effects of alcohol and drug addiction Ascension Parish is like any other community in America.

 

 

Mental illness or emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety; Physical health problems; and Learning problems, including difficulty with cognitive and verbal skills, conceptual reasoning and abstract thinking.

Within our community of Ascension Parish we have many health professionals, school teachers and guidance counselors, community-based program personnel, social workers, athletic coaches and faith community/native spirituality leaders and police officers who are in regularly contact with children and families in need. As trusted and respected figures in the community, they are in a unique position to support families and children with addiction problems if allowed to do so.

 

The drug problems in Ascension Parish are similar to those in the rest of the country. Recently the use of methamphetamine (crank) is our number one concern. Through a federal methamphetamine enforcement grant the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Offices has been able to combat the infiltration of this new killer into our community. This drug has become a major problem in many surrounding parishes for several years. It is a powerful stimulant that is easily and inexpensively produced. It is widely becoming accepted as the drug of choice in many communities and is an extremely dangerous substance. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office now has 3 nationally certified meth lab disposal technicians.

 

For more information on this new killer go to Life on Meth or Meth Madness to see the effects of this dangerous substance.

 

A number of local and national resources are available to help you or your loved ones with substance abuse problems. If you want to help yourself, children, or family and friends with alcohol- or drug related problems contact one of the many resources within the Ascension Parish community.