Addictions Lesson 2

Last Class Review When we last met we discussed the Through the Blue Lens documentary and discussed reasons why people decide to do drugs. Some of the reasons we discussed are: To relax They’re bored To experiment To fit in To rebel Peer Pressure To escape Problems

REcap We also discussed about how drugs and alcohol can become a “crutch” for many people and how this dependency can often take over their lives. Getting the right information and facts about drugs and alcohol can be the best way to make informed, mature decisions.

Drug Continuum When students choose to experiment with/use drugs(legal and illegal), which three are most often tried? Alcohol Tobacco Marijuana

Why are alcohol, Tobacco and marijuana most common? Affordability Accessible Socially Acceptable Media Influence “Soft” drugs

Why are these Known as “Gateway” Drugs? Thoughts? What is the relationship between these and other illicit drugs? Consider Through a Blue Lens when answering this question.

Some teens and young adults move from experimentation to addiction, bust most do not. What factors help to prevent individuals from progressing to riskier addiction patterns?

Class Activity Each of you will be given a question/statement. Each of you will be given the chance to come to the front of the class and place your statement/question under the appropriate heading. The heading include the examples of the Drug Continuum; Non Use, Experimental Use, Occasional Use, Regular Use and Dependence You will record the brief definitions and the correct solution on the handout provided.

Day 2 – Addiction and the Drug Continuum

Recap Yesterday we discussed… The three most common drugs used by teens, which includes… alcohol, tobacco and marijuana These are known as gateway drugs because… May lead to experimentation with “harder” drugs. We ended the class with the drug continuum activity.

Today you will explore your prior knowledge of terms associated with drugs and addictions. We will also look at the 3 Brutal Realities that accompany drugs and addictions.

Additional Activity Using the prepared envelopes, work in small groups to connect the given terms to their explanations/definitions.

Terms to Review Abuse Addiction Amphetamine Binge Blackout Caffeine Euphoria Fatal Flashbacks Hallucinogen Hangover High Impaired Inhalant Inhibitions Motor skills Narcotic Opium Potency Public Service Announcement (PSA) Rave Rehab Resin Rush Sedation Stimulant THC Tolerance Withdrawal Abuse Addiction Amphetamine Binge Blackout Caffeine Cannabis Cocktail Coma Controlled substance Craving Culture Cut Delirium Dependence Designer drug Drug Drug culture

Why is knowing these Terms important? Knowledge and information is essential to making informed, mature decisions. Ultimately, the choice to participate in drug culture is an individual choice, one that many teens will have to make or have already made. Having the right information and having a better understanding of how to help yourself and other will better prepare you for situations that may arise.

Three Brutal Realities

They can become stronger than you Addiction strikes the best and brightest among us. The only thing that separates you from the rest of us are a few choices you make, usually during the teen year. Addicts may lose everything: relationships, career, health, self-esteem and freedom to choose. In the case of addiction, your freedom to choose is pushed aside by the power of the addiction; the power of the addiction can be stronger than you.

It’s not just about you The reality is, when it comes to smoking, drinking and doing drugs, it’s not just about you. It impacts everyone around you whether you like it or not. Who do you think is also impacted by addictions? Friends Family Community S/O Future spouse and children Bystanders Taxpayers

Drugs Destroy Dreams You can’t afford an addiction. It costs too much in terms of time, money, brain cells, focus, relationships and happiness. It may not seem like using drugs and alcohol is terrible but could using these substances hold you back from being a better person? Are you living up to your potential? Read pages 232-234 from The 6 Decisions Booklet Discussion

Reflection In your notebook or on a loose leaf write a reflection that includes the ideas and concepts that we have discussed recently. Mention Through a Blue Lens, Why people decide to do drugs and the drug continuum, and the three brutal realities of additions.