1. Myths and Denials

2. Describe how choosing to use drugs, alcohol and tobacco will negatively impact YOUR health triangle:
Mental/
Emotional
Social
Physical

4. MYTH = Unproven belief or invented story
Drug myths are unrealistic beliefs that are often used to justify drug use
There are many MYTHS about drug use. Knowing the truth allows us to make better choices.
Although some myths have a small part that is true, for the most part, myths are untrue and unrealistic.

5. # 1 = Drug use provides emotional protection from the outside world.
Temporary escape from reality
Avoid facing problems

6. # 2 = Drugs help people to establish friendships.
Relationships may be superficial
False sense of confidence
Lack of ability to learn social skills
Violence is highly associated with drug use and alcohol abuse

7. # 3 = People get used to a drug.
Warning signals are giving up!
Addiction is setting in.

8. # 4 = Drug use shows independence
Users are dependent upon the drug!

9. Denial = ignoring consequences that may be obvious to others
Many drug users are “in denial” about their drug use. EX = “I can quit smoking anytime.”
What do you think makes a person live in denial?
What are the benefits for the person in denial?

10. Four Kinds of Denial:
Drug users frequently blame others or outside social events for their drug use.
Drug users may deny injury from drug use.
Drug users deny their effects on others.
Drug users reinterpret bad things that happen to them so that they appear to be positive, or at least not so bad.

11. Chemical Dependency = Drug addicted or alcoholic
Tolerance = needing more and more to get the same feeling or high
Increases chances for addiction
Warning signs breaking down
Withdrawal = symptoms people feel when they can’t get the drug they’re addicted to
Obvious symptoms = sweating, shaking, irritation, headaches, sleep problems, depression.

12. TRAP
T = trial
R = recreation
A = abuse
P = pinned down (addicted)

13. What are some consequences of each stage?
Trial
Coughing, hangovers
Recreational
Meeting unhealthy people, getting into unsafe situations
Abuse
Trouble with relationships, school, work, etc.
Pinned Down
Depressed, total focus on the drug/alcohol

14. ENABLING Enable = helping a drug user or alcoholic to use
Examples of enabling =
Refusing to confront the addict
Refusing to get outside help
Refusing to acknowledge his/her need to change behaviors
Helping addict avoid dealing with consequences
Ignoring his/her use
Minimizing his/her use
Giving him/her money
Making excuses for him/her

15. Where can family/friends go for help?
Check the “Self-help Assistance” list
AA or NA
Alanon
Alateen
School counselor or teacher
Family therapist
Substance abuse affects the whole family and all of our relationships. The only solution is to get the help you need. Even if no one else in the family see that there is a problem, you can get help for yourself. Not only will you feel better, but you will also learn how to quit playing the role that enables the dysfunction to continue.