Recovering From AddictionPresenters: Molly Bernas, Rohan Jairam, Shelly

Krzeminski, Jenny Lee, Brittany Marshall, Truong Truong

Chapter: 27Title (Content Area): Recovery from

Addiction and CodependencyLesson : 1Title (Topic): Recovery from AddictionGrade Level : Twelfth Grade (mean age 18)

Recovering From Addiction

Presentation Date: November 13, 2007

In This Lesson, You Will Learn:

What is addiction? Addiction

Not so easy to defineA series of changes that happens over

timeSource of addiction can varyProbably the most serious and

destructive of addictions are drugs or alcohol

Signs of addiction: Continual concern about where the next “fix” will

come fromGetting high or drunk regularlyLying about the amount of alcohol or drugs being

usedAvoiding friends or loved ones to go get high or

drunkGiving up regular activities like after-school sports,

homework, or hanging out with non-using friendsChoosing friends that can supply addictive

substances

Signs of addiction (cont): changes in appearance or personal habitsirritability, nervousness, personality

changes, or mood swingsviolent behaviorblack-outsneeding 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 funpressuring others to join in the drinking

or drug usinggetting into trouble with the lawparticipating in high-risk behaviors such

as driving under the influencefeeling 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

counselorDiscuss how their actions have affected

their lives and how they feel about itThey 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 ContinuumRecovery:

Learning to live alcohol and/or drug freeHappens over time, and is a life-long

process

Steps to Recovery

RecoveryDetoxification

The removal of all drugs/alcohol from the body

AbstinenceRemaining drug-freeIs 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

Treatment OptionsWhere 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 OptionsSupport 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 OptionsDrug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities

Specialize in drug and alcohol counselingOffer services to addicts who wish to

recoverDetoxification UnitsInpatient TreatmentOutpatient TreatmentContinuing ProgramsHalfway Houses

It’s Now Time For an

Addiction Jeopardy!Get into your groups!

The End!