Before coming to your training, please do the following:
Choose one of the following resources to read and ponder. As you read, keep in mind any of your associates who might be struggling with addiction.
After you finish your reading, answer the following questions in your learner's journal:
Additionally, complete one of the following items:
In this lesson, you will continue learning about addiction—specifically how to support associates in their journey to recovery. You will learn how to support associates by (1) helping them access tools for recovery, (2) helping them manage their addictions and fulfill their responsibilities, and (3) encouraging them to feel hope and strengthen their relationship with God.
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.
Review the Recovery Worksheet found in the “Lesson Resources” section, Resource 1. Then as a group, discuss the following:
As a group, explore addictionrecovery.lds.org. Learn how to find ARP meetings, watch videos, and read personal accounts. Discuss the following questions:
Explore the Overcome Addiction portion of the addictionrecovery.lds.org website. Take three to five minutes to watch videos or read personal accounts on the site. Take notes and consider the following questions:
Then divide into small groups, share what you read, and discuss the questions above. Once each member has had a chance to share his or her thoughts, discuss the following questions:
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
As addressed in Lesson 3.2, poor social skills, low self-esteem, curiosity, and peer pressure can be contributing factors for people to start abusing substances, which can lead to addiction. Review the Recovery Worksheet in the “Lesson Resources” section, Resource 1, which addresses additional high-risk situations such as hunger, anger, loneliness, exhaustion, and being in places where the substance is easy to find.
As a group, discuss the following:
As a group, watch two videos from the 12 Steps to Change series. Then discuss the following questions:
Invite a former DI associate who has struggled with addiction to come talk about how working with Deseret Industries helped him or her to reach recovery. Invite the associate to address some of the following questions:
You could also ask any relevant and appropriate questions that will help you understand how to help associates struggling with addiction.
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
Be prepared to share one or two scriptures or statements from the readings listed at the beginning of the lesson. After each class member shares his or her insights, discuss the following as a group:
As a group, choose two videos to watch from addictionrecovery.lds.org (this could be a continuation from Activity 2 in the previous section). Then discuss the following:
Invite a former DI associate who has struggled with addiction to talk about how hope and a strong relationship with God helped him or her during recovery. This person may talk about any of the following questions:
You could also ask any relevant and appropriate questions that will help you understand how you can share hope and invite associates struggling with addiction to strengthen their relationship with God.
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.
