1. Addictions
Lesson 2

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

3. 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.

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

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

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. 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.

9. Day 2 – Addiction and the Drug Continuum

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. Three Brutal Realities

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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 from The 6 Decisions Booklet
Discussion

19. 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.