Voices of Recovery
This singer/actress often advocates for others about mental health and substance use as they've battled with both since their start on the Disney Channel.
Demi Lovato
True/False: There is a right technique to get someone to stop using alcohol or other drugs.
FALSE
There is no right way to get someone to stop using alcohol or other drugs.
There are many different approaches to help someone, but they may not work. The person has to want to stop for themselves (we can't force someone to stop).
The process of change and growth through which people improve their health & wellness and strive to reach their full potential.
Recovery
He got his acting start on Disney Channel on High School Musical and encourages a sober lifestyle using diet and exercise to help cope with life's struggles.
Zac Efron
True/False: You don't have to use a drug or drink alcohol everyday in order to be addicted.
TRUE
Continued use despite the negative consequences can be considered an addiction.
Other factors that influence addiction: family history/genes, early age drug use, mental health, environmental factors.
Using drugs again after a period of time without using. This also is a normal part of the recovery process.
Relapse
She's a famous singer for wanting to "swing from the chandelier" and now continues her sobriety with the help of family and friends.
Sia
True/False: Quitting "cold turkey" is the best way to stop using alcohol or other drugs.
FALSE
Changing substance use is a process that can be conflicting to the user. Talking to someone, learning new skills, and changing your lifestyle are some ways to help stop drug use.
It can also be fatal to stop using alcohol and some other drugs "cold turkey" due to withdrawal symptoms.
Society's negative view of people with addiction and mental health struggles.
Stigma
While filming his show, Friends, he needed time off to work on his sobriety. He now uses his experience to help others in recovery.
Matthew Perry
True/False: Relapse is a normal part of the recovery process.
TRUE
Relapsing can serve as learning opportunity to identify what triggered the relapse and how to address it for the future.
Exercise, 12-step programs, talking to someone, reading, writing, music
Coping skills
This TV personality/model/cookbook author decided to quit drinking after realizing it was affecting her physical and mental health.
Chrissy Teigen
True/False: When addicted to alcohol or other drugs, the brain cannot properly produce dopamine on its own.
Dopamine: the chemical in the brain that is released when we feel pleasure such as eating, laughing, and drugs.
TRUE
When addicted to alcohol or other drugs, the brain gets hijacked by the substance used. After continued use, the brain will not be able to produce dopamine on its own and will rely on the drug to feel pleasure.
People or systems to help those with a substance use disorder or mental health struggle manage their conditions.
Support