Guest Column by Jenine Koziolek

I first received my license as an alcohol and drug counselor in 1999. I was in it to save the world. Now, 17 years later, I’m a bit more realistic about saving the whole world, but still passionate about helping to build resilient and successful people.

Through my years as an alcohol and drug counselor, I have seen the devastating effects and how drugs and alcohol have wreaked havoc in an individual’s life, their families and ultimately the community. I remember like it was yesterday standing at the filing cabinet of records in my workplace, trying to locate one particular individual’s file, only to come across several of the relatives first. It was as if a light bulb went off, that for some reason never shone as bright until then. This is a family disease, and if we don’t treat the whole person and the family (and now I would include the community), we won’t get to the root of the issue in order for these individuals to grow into resilient and successful people.

I also know that in order to have this, we need to have a safe and caring environment and my contribution is necessary, as is yours. That is why for the past couple of years, a dedicated group of Freeborn County residents have been working on educating our communities about the “Adverse Childhood Experiences Study,” and how ending the generational cycle of alcoholism and addiction is critical to helping our young people develop healthy brains, be equipped with social skills, stress management and enjoy positive, caring relationships in their lives. It also means helping our adults who have experienced trauma or “toxic stress,” as the ACES study refers to, heal and live a healthy life.

Our ACES group has put together a community event, free and open to the public for everyone to get involved in understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on our bodies, brains, behavior and social interactions and how this understanding will enable us to create promising futures and promote resiliency in ourselves and others. Please join me on April 28 at the Albert Lea High School auditorium from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with a light supper served from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Registration is available at www.albertleacommunityed.org or by calling 507-379-4834. Through my years as an alcohol and drug counselor, I have seen the devastating effects.

 

Jenine Koziolek is the outreach specialist at Fountain Centers.