Drug Abuse
What is drug abuse?
when a person uses drugs in a harmful or unsafe way that negatively affects their health, behavior, responsibilities, or relationships.
Question: What is it called when you feel like you need drugs or alcohol to deal with your feelings? Hint: its not "coping" its a form of dependence.
Answer: Psychological dependence.
Question: Name one healthy thing you can do when you feel overwhelmed.
Answer: Take a break, breathe, call someone, or use a coping skill.
Question: Your brain says, “Just one time won't hurt.” What should you ask yourself?
Answer: “What happened the last time I thought that?”
Question: Name one way you can show yourself respect without spending money.
Answer: Keep a promise to yourself, set a healthy boundary, tell the truth, rest when needed, or walk away from a harmful situation.
Rationale: Self-respect grows through the choices you make and the way you treat yourself.
Name one sign that substance use is becoming a problem.
Answer: Missing work, unhealthy relationships, isolation, family problems, cravings, drug related legal issues, or trouble stopping.
Question: What is it called when your body gets used to a substance and reacts when you stop?
Answer: Physical dependence. When the body adapts to a drug, causing withdrawal symptoms if stopped.
Question: What is the difference between making an excuse and taking accountability?
Answer: An excuse avoids responsibility, while accountability means admitting your part and working to change it.
Rationale: You cannot change what you refuse to acknowledge. Accountability gives you the opportunity to make a different choice next time.
Name another social consequence of excessive alcohol use. Heavily associated with drinking Hennessy.
Aggressive behaviour.
Question: Name one person you can call when you need help staying sober.
Answer: A counselor, sponsor, trusted friend, or recovery support person.
Give one example of a legal drug that can be abused.
Alcohol or prescription medication
Which type of dependence involves withdrawal symptoms?
Physical dependence.
Question: What is one sign that a person is growing, even if their life is not perfect yet?
Answer: They recognize their mistakes, use healthier coping skills, ask for help, or make better choices than before.
Rationale: Growth is shown through changes in awareness and behavior, not through having a perfect life.
Question: What does “progress, not perfection” mean?
Answer: You don't have to be perfect to keep getting better.
Question: Do you have to lose everything before you admit you have a problem?
Answer: No. it's best to catch it before it causes more trauma and issues.
Question: What is one thing your future self might thank you for doing today?
Answer: Accept answers such as asking for help, staying sober, being honest, avoiding a trigger, practicing a coping skill, or keeping a commitment.
Rationale: Small decisions made today can help create a healthier future.
Which type of dependence is linked to habits and cravings?
Psychological dependence.
Question: Is asking for help a weakness or a strength? Why?
Answer: A strength because it shows self-awareness, courage, and a willingness to change. It means a person can recognize when they need support instead of pretending they can handle everything alone. In recovery, asking for help can prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one, build healthy relationships, and help someone learn new ways to cope.
Example: Instead of dealing with stress by using drugs or alcohol, a person reaches out to their counselor, sponsor, or trusted support person.
Your brain says, “I've been doing good, so I deserve to get high.” What is that called?
Answer: Making excuses or stinking thinking.
Question: Name two things drugs or alcohol can affect in your life.
Answer: Health, money, family, work, or relationships.
What's the difference between drug use and drug abuse?
Use: appropriate/ controlled/ taken as prescribed.... abuse: harmful, excessive, non medical use
Daily DOUBLE! Why is it important to distinguish between psychological and physical dependence?
Question: What is the difference between psychological and physical dependence?
To understand treatment approaches and the nature of addiction.
Answer: Psychological means feeling like you need it. Physical means your body has gotten used to it.
Question: Does making a bad decision mean you are a bad person?
Answer: No.
Rationale: A person's choices can have consequences, but one mistake does not define their entire identity. You can take responsibility and still believe you are worthy of growth.
Question: Name one strength/principle that can help you in recovery.
Answer: Honesty, patience, courage, or determination.; when we talk about a mindset these are the qualities we need not just being thinking but actions and consistency.
Question: Recovery is not just about stopping drugs. What else does it involve?
Answer: Learning healthier ways to handle feelings, stress, and problems.