Recovering From Addiction Presenters: Molly Bernas, Rohan Jairam, Shelly Krzeminski, Jenny Lee, Brittany Marshall, Truong Truong Chapter:27 Title (Content Area): Recovery from Addiction and Codependency Lesson : 1 Title (Topic): Recovery from Addiction Grade Level : Twelfth Grade (mean age 18)

Recovering From Addiction Presentation Date: November 13, 2007

In This Lesson, You Will Learn: How to define ‘addiction’, ‘intervention’, and ‘recovery’ Signs of addiction The process of intervention Steps for recovery of addiction

What is addiction? Addiction Not so easy to define A series of changes that happens over time Source of addiction can vary Probably the most serious and destructive of addictions are drugs or alcohol

Signs of addiction: Continual concern about where the next “fix” will come from Getting high or drunk regularly Lying about the amount of alcohol or drugs being used Avoiding friends or loved ones to go get high or drunk Giving up regular activities like after-school sports, homework, or hanging out with non-using friends Choosing friends that can supply addictive substances

Signs of addiction (cont): changes in appearance or personal habits irritability, nervousness, personality changes, or mood swings violent behavior black-outs needing more of the drug to get the same effect or to feel “normal” talking about the substances a lot

Signs of addiction (cont): thinking you have to drink or use drugs to have fun pressuring others to join in the drinking or drug using getting into trouble with the law participating in high-risk behaviors such as driving under the influence feeling depressed, hopeless, worn down, even suicidal

The statistics show: Imagine how many of them become addicted

Video: A Recovered Drug Addict Talks About His Addiction

There is a way to help!

Intervention

What is intervention? Meant to stop the downward spiral of the alcoholic before he/she “hits bottom” or loses everything. Family members/loved ones meet with counselor Discuss how their actions have affected their lives and how they feel about it They all surprise addict with a meeting to force the addict to face consequences of drinking and get help.

Activity: How Family Members Feel Get into your groups! Each member of the group will take on the role of a member of an addict/alcoholics family. (ex: mother, father, brother, spouse, child) From that family member’s point of view, discuss the affects the alcoholic’s/addict’s substance use has on you.

The Recovery Continuum Recovery: Learning to live alcohol and/or drug free Happens over time, and is a life-long process

Steps to Recovery 2. Abstinence 1. Detoxification

Recovery Detoxification The removal of all drugs/alcohol from the body Abstinence Remaining drug-free Is this hard or easy to accomplish?

Activity: two faces of addiction Get into your groups! Remaining in groups, each group will receive a piece of paper and pencil. Half the groups will discuss the feelings an addict feel before recovery, and the other half of the groups discuss the feelings an addict experience after they begin recovery Write down your responses

Treatment Options

Where to begin? Teenagers can talk to their teacher, parent, or school counselor to find a recovery program The person may be directed to a support group or drug and alcohol treatment center

Treatment Options Support Groups The most popular method of drug and alcohol treatment A group of people who share the same addiction and work together to help one another stay sober Meetings are confidential, members can remain anonymous, and the meetings are free of charge E.g.: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous

Treatment Options Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities Specialize in drug and alcohol counseling Offer services to addicts who wish to recover Detoxification Units Inpatient Treatment Outpatient Treatment Continuing Programs Halfway Houses

It’s Now Time For an

Addiction Jeopardy! Get into your groups!

The End!