Before coming to your training, please do the following:
In this lesson, you will continue to learn about substance abuse and addiction. You will specifically (1) identify common signs and symptoms related to substance abuse; (2) recognize long-term behavior indicative of continued substance abuse; and (3) learn to observe and approach associates with substance abuse problems in appropriate ways. As you seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost and become familiar with the content of this lesson, you will become more effective at helping associates who struggle with substance abuse.
Note: Although this lesson contains information, theories, and personal anecdotes about addiction, the Church does not endorse any specific approach to or theory about addiction or addiction recovery. There are many other valuable theories about addiction. The information and stories in this lesson are included to help you think about ways to help your associates who are struggling with addiction. As you work with these associates, seek the guidance of the Spirit to know how to help them best.
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
Invite each attendee to share the information that he or she researched in preparation for today’s meeting. List the different drugs on the board, including the signs and symptoms of abusing that drug.
As a group, go over the signs of substance abuse. Then discuss:
Watch the video, “Heroin Addiction,” which was created for the Let’s Face It! project based in Ohio. After watching the video, discuss the following questions as a group:
Now discuss similar questions for the substances you researched before class. Use your research and any additional knowledge to discuss the following questions as a group:
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
Divide into small groups according to the substance that you researched in preparation for today’s meeting. Form a group with the people who researched the same substance you did. In your groups, discuss the following questions:
After finishing the discussion, each group should write on the board the name of the drug as well as the answers to the discussion questions.
Regroup with the rest of the participants and consider the information on the board as you discuss the following as a group:
Individually take a look at the AWARE form. Use your experience, judgment, and research for today’s meeting to go over the AWARE form and mark the behaviors and attitudes that may be indicative of substance abuse. Then discuss your findings and impressions with the rest of the group. You could also discuss the following questions:
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
Take a minute to review the Substance Abuse Observation and Action Plan Worksheet found in the “Lesson Resources” section, Resource 1.
Consider an associate you are currently working with who may be struggling with substance abuse. Complete as much of the worksheet as you can about the associate. Then, divide into pairs and share what you completed from the worksheet with your partner. Together discuss ideas and possible action plans to help the associate you are concerned about overcome his or her challenges and addiction.
What are appropriate ways to approach an associate who may have substance abuse problems? Divide into pairs and prepare a role-play addressing appropriate ways to approach an associate with a potential substance abuse problem. As you prepare, think about and discuss the following with your partner:
Perform the role-play and give each other feedback on the positive elements of the encounter and discuss things that you could improve on.
Seek to identify a personal or business gap or need.
Spend a few minutes silently pondering what you've discussed during this lesson. Listen as the Holy Ghost helps you identify areas where you can improve. Record your impressions in your learner's journal under the question “What Lack I Yet?”
Seek ways to close the gap or develop the required talent(s) to meet the need.
With the guidance of the Spirit, create your plan of how you will improve and close the gap(s) you have identified. You may use one or more of the exercises below, your own strategy, or a combination of both. Record this plan in your learner's journal under “What Must I Do?”
After a few minutes, those who are comfortable doing so can share their impressions with the group.
Seek understanding, and then share what you learned.
During the week, focus on implementing the plan you created. Record your impressions or lessons learned in your learner's journal under “Therefore, What?” You will be given time at the beginning of next week's lesson to share your experience with the group.
Use this material if you would like to learn more about signs and symptoms of addiction.