Define This
Addiction
Any of the following are correction:
Addiction is a disease
Addiction is when a person cannot control a behavior they are doing (drugs, eating, video games).
Addiction is an action/behavior that has negative life consequences.
People with addictions are bad people.
False!
People with addictions have bad behaviors and sometimes made bad choices, but that does not mean they are bad people.
Everyone.
What is Little Steps and why do kids go there?
Little Steps is a group that focuses on helping children who have been impacted by a family member's addiction.
Relapse
Someone was was in recovery starts to use drugs / engage in the addicted behavior again.
I should talk to safe people about how I feel about my family member's addiction.
True. Your feelings are important and you should find a safe person to talk to about what's going on.
What kind of feelings might a kid in a house with substance abuse feel?
Any kind of feeling is correct.
Why should a person get counseling?
Counseling can help people with their feelings, help build coping skills and help them express themselves. Sometimes people just want support.
Recovery
Recovery is when a person stops using and makes healthy choices / changes to get better and to live a better life.
If parent blames their kid for their drug use, it is the child's fault.
False. The child is NEVER the reason for someone else's substance abuse struggles.
How would you be able to tell if a family member was doing drugs?
Speech, ability to walk, mood, behaviors, making bad choices.
Whats the difference between a safe secret and an unsafe secret?
A safe secret is something you can keep to yourself and not tell anyone and no will can get hurt from that.
An unsafe secret is a secret that could be harmful, and put you or someone else in danger if you did not tell someone.
Drug.
A substance that alters your mood, body or mind. Also acceptable answers are example of drugs.
Alcohol is a drug.
True. A drug is any substance that alters your state of mind, mood or body.
If a parent asks you to keep their drug use a secret, is that a good idea?
No. The most important thing is your safety and if a parent is using they aren't able to keep you safe.
What is a coping skills and why do we use them.
Bonus points for examples of coping skills you use.
coping skills is something we use to "DEAL WITH" uncomfortable feelings and situations. We use them to help us feel better in the moment and to not have strong negative reactions to the event.
Examples of coping: Breathing, Counting to ten, going for a walk, exercise, talking to someone, writing in a journal, and others.
Denial
Denial is when you say something is not the truth. In addiction, some families can be in denial that there is an actual problem with drugs/alcohol or its impact on the family.
All drugs are bad.
False!
Some drugs, like medicine from a doctor, are good so long as they are used correctly.
When is it okay for a child to see the family member that has an addiction problem?
Answers vary. Examples are:
If the person is in recovery and making healthy choices.
If there is a safe person accompanying them.
Definitely not when they are high/drunk.
Who do you have control over?
Myself!