4 Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges in Carson City

Another day in the neighborhood for Carson City, Nevada, residents.

Recently, one Carson City man was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance as well as possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Later that same day, another man from Reno was arrested in Carson City on charges that included possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of a controlled substance, suspended registration and no insurance, and possession of a dangerous weapon. His companion, also from Reno, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance.

Unfortunately, this is not a day that is out of the ordinary in Carson City. These arrests did not even make headlines, nor did the DUI arrest that occurred in that same timeframe. Both were simply reported on a daily police blotter, an accounting that very few will read or remember.

The truth is, however, that these incidents that happen every day in Carson City and across Nevada are a big deal. They are a big deal to the person who is jailed until their family can come up with $1,000 or more in bail. They are a big deal to family members who worry about their loved one and watch them struggle with drug abuse and addiction. And they are a big deal to the entire community of Carson City whose taxpayer dollars are going to pay for law enforcement, damage done while under the influence, court costs, and other fees associated with the ongoing problem of untreated substance abuse and addiction.

Is substance use and abuse impacting your life?

When ‘Normal’ Is Not Okay

Just because something has become a habit or “par for the course” does not mean that it is something that is healthy or acceptable on a societal level or on a personal level. Even if you are used to your loved one regularly drinking too much and not coming home at night, things disappearing from around the house, your loved one lying to you about being under the influence, or your loved one treating you badly depending on the timing of the most recent use of drugs or alcohol, it does not mean that this is a stable and healthy way to live.

If someone you love is regularly using drugs or alcohol, ask yourself some questions:

• Do I feel safe at home?
• Do I feel safe when this person is under the influence?
• Is this person rude, condescending, or easily angered when under the influence or after a binge?
• Do I feel okay with having people over to the house?
• Do I feel okay going out with friends, leaving for work, or leaving the person who often drinks or uses drugs alone with others in the house?
• Am I losing financial ground or status at work because I routinely have to try to “clean up” the problems made by my loved one’s choices while under the influence?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is time to take a look at your situation and determine what needs to change in order for you to feel safe, happy, and healthy at home.

Please note: If you feel that you, or anyone in your home, are in physical danger, do not stay and try to figure it out. Leave immediately and stay out of harm’s way. Help is available.

Creating a Path to Stability in Recovery

Treatment is often the only real way for stability and safety to return to a household that has been turned upside down by a family member’s drug and/or alcohol use. Your loved one’s struggle with a substance use disorder requires professional care that can offer treatment and therapies to help your loved one stop using drugs immediately and start learning how to live fully in recovery. You also will benefit from treatment that can help you to process what you have been through and the changes that need to occur going forward.

Your loved one’s addiction is not your fault, and it is not their fault either. But both of you must learn how to break out of what has become “normal” – the everyday behaviors and communication methods that have become second nature. With help, you can learn how to interact with each other in a way that:

• Begins to rebuild broken trust
• Allows both of you to get your needs met while being respectful of all involved
• Creates a safe place for both of you to grow and heal
• Provides structure for addressing any challenges that arise during this process

What do you and your family need to create a new sense of “normal” at home?