Download Be a Part of the Conversation

a one-act play
by Jerome
McDonough
adapted by
Kristin Hannings
Hatboro-Horsham
High School
March 19 and 21, 2015
6:30 pm
Please stay for the Conversation!
No one needs to suffer alone.
No living person is beyond help.
Presented by:
be a part of the
CONVERSATION
www.conversation.zone
& Hatboro-Horsham Theatre
@ConvoZone
Due to the intense content,
this play is
not recommended for
children under
13 years of age.
Welcome!
Thank you for joining us this evening.
I strongly encourage you to join us in the cafeteria immediately following tonight’s
performance. We will talk with young people in recovery, treatment professionals, and the
cast of ADDICT, to hear stories of hope and healing, and much more. We will also learn
more about what we can do as a community, as friends, and as family members to help
those who are still struggling.
This is a very intense theatrical piece, and we believe that processing what we see here
tonight will lead to insightful discussions and be helpful on many levels.
Kim Rubenstein
Executive Director, Be a Part of the Conversation
be a part of the
CONVERSATION
Be a Part of the Conversation addresses substance use, abuse and addiction and its
impact on young people by building a culture of awareness and support.
When we all work together, without judgment or fear,
there will be positive changes in the lives of young
people and their families.
Parents
& Family
Young
People
Health Care
Providers
Educators
Law
Enforcement
Friends
www.conversation.zone
Coming Soon to the
Hatboro-Horsham Theatre!
April 23 through 25
Curtain at 7:30 pm
Tickets: Adults: $10 | Students: $8
Come once,
once in a while,
or as often as you like.
parent
partnership
Being a parent is
especially challenging
in today’s world.
We meet every Thursday at 7pm
253 S. York Road, Hatboro, PA
(located in Hatboro Real Estate office)
be a part of the
www.conversation.zone CONVERSATION
Character Descriptions
You may have already gathered that the program you are now holding is not your
average “playbill.” This booklet is meant to serve as a useful and educational tool.
While these pages cannot address every aspect of substance use disorders, we
hope to provide a foundation of understanding in each of the characters’ stories.
For each scene, you will find:
• Basic information about the drugs of abuse, including street names
• Effects of the substance
• Health risks associated with each substance’s use
Resources
All information provided in the character descriptions has been gathered from these
reputable and highly respected scientific resources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA, a division of the National Institutes of Health) www.drugabuse.gov
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
(NIAAA, a division of the National Institutes of Health) www.niaaa.nih.gov
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) www.samhsa.gov
National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
(NCADD) www.ncadd.org
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
www.drugfree.org
Put Your Drugs Inside
The National Association of
Drug Diversion Investigators
has launched a program
designed to significantly reduce
the prescription drugs in
American homes that are either no longer needed or outdated.
These same drugs unfortunately have become the target of theft
and misuse, oftentimes by people who have access to the residence. America’s 12 to 17
year olds have made prescription drugs the number one substance of abuse for their age
group, and much of that supply is unwittingly coming from the medicine cabinets of their
parents, grandparents, and friends.
Remove all prescription or over the counter drugs from your home today. The Horsham
Township dropbox is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Horsham Police Department, 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044
a one-act play by Jerome McDonough
adapted by Kristin Hannings
Director – Kristin Hannings
Assistant Director – Ian Vosseler
Original Score – Anthony Viscounte
Michelle – Sammy Blackburn
Jess – Taylor Hough
Megan – Claire O’Neill
Mrs. Anderson – Dianna Vassallo
Seth – Alan Sonntag
Josh – Daniel Mitchell
Kyle – Dylan Reckner
Dan – Jake Bookbinder
Greg – Alan Sonntag
Steve – Bryan Hagelin
Alli – Kate Schill
Caitlin – Melanie Dubil
Maura – Sammy Blackburn
Nikki – Alexandra Rivers
Hunter – Daniel Mitchell
Eric – Bryan Hagelin
Jeff – Dylan Reckner
Rachel – Sarah Graham
Lauren – Annika Jorgensen
Kevin – Zach Cahill
Maddy – Morgan White
Jackie – Julianna Vasick
Liz – Morgan White
Hannah – Annika Jorgensen
Mrs. Kent – Alexandra Rivers
Amy – Riley Hohenstein
Girl 1 – Sarah Graham
Girl 2 – Julianna Vasick
Ryan – Chad Moran
Mom – Sammy Blackburn
Devon – Chad Moran
Haley – Annika Jorgensen
Band Teacher – Bryan Hagelin
Mark – Soren Madsen
Liam – Zach Cahill
Scott – Dylan Reckner
Brianna – Claire O’Neill
Brendan – Alan Sonntag
Tori – Melanie Dubil
Murph – Soren Madsen
Officer – Daniel Mitchell
Drunk 1 – Jake Bookbinder
Drunk 2 – Riley Hohenstein
Kelly – Dianna Vassallo
Mom – Alexandra Rivers
Emily – Riley Hohenstein
Dad – Bryan Hagelin
Stage Manager – Sara Pasquarello
Lighting – Scott Aaron & Daniel Mitchell
Sound – Anna Marie D'Ambrosio & Dana McKessy
When low self-esteem and
social anxiety become too
much to handle, Michelle
picks up a bottle to cope.
She also uses technology
in an effort to gain
attention from boys.
Drug of Abuse
Alcohol (booze, brew, juice) Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient
found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of
yeast, sugars, and starches.
Effects
Alcohol enters your bloodstream as soon as you take your first sip. Alcohol’s
immediate effects can appear within about 10 minutes. As you drink, you
increase your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, which is the amount of
alcohol present in your bloodstream. The higher your BAC, the more impaired
you become by alcohol’s effects. These effects can include reduced inhibitions,
slurred speech, motor impairment, confusion, problems with memory and
concentration.
Health Risks
Drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll
on your health. Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion
can damage the heart, causing problems including cardiomyopathy,
arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), stroke, or high blood pressure. Heavy drinking
takes a toll on the liver, and can lead to a variety of problems and liver
inflammations including steatosis, or fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, or
cirrhosis.
Some Good News
2014’s Monitoring the Future survey of drug use and attitudes among American
8th, 10th, and 12th graders showed continued declines in alcohol use by all
grades. There was also a significant five-year drop in binge drinking (five or
more drinks in a row in the previous 2 weeks) by seniors: 19.4 percent reported
binge drinking in 2014, whereas 31.5 percent had reported the practice at its
peak in 1998.
Michelle is portrayed by
senior, Sammy Blackburn
After a slow day at work,
Dan and his friends
decide to get high, then
try something stronger.
As his drug use spirals
out of control, he turns
to dealing.
Drugs of Abuse
Marijuana (weed, pot, blunt) Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems,
and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, which contains the
psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as
well as other related compounds. In 2012, THC concentrations in marijuana
averaged close to 15 percent, compared to around 4 percent in the 1980s.
Effects
Relaxation; slowed reaction time; distorted sensory perception; impaired
balance and coordination; increased heart rate and appetite; impaired learning,
memory; anxiety; panic attacks; psychosis.
Health Risks
Frequent respiratory infections; possible mental health decline; psychosis and
increased risk of heart attack.
Heavy marijuana users generally report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and
physical health, more relationship problems, and less academic and career
success compared to non-marijuana-using peers.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Contrary to common belief, marijuana is addictive. Estimates from research
suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana; this
number increases among those who start young (to about 17 percent, or 1 in 6)
and among people who use marijuana daily (to 25-50 percent).
Dabs (also: wax, honey, butane hash/honey oil or BHO, shatter) Wax is a distillation
of marijuana said to be so potent that a single hit will keep a person high for
more than a day. Wax concentrates are made from oil extracted from cannabis
plants with a solvent such as butane, which creates a fire and explosion risk
because it is so highly flammable.
Dan is portrayed by
senior, Jake Bookbinder
With a great, supportive
family, Caitlin doesn’t
seem like someone who
would try drugs.
So why, at 14, is she
huffing and finding herself
wearing handcuffs?
Drugs of Abuse
Alcohol see “Michelle”
Marijuana see “Dan”
Inhalents (whiteout, paint, Dust-Off, also: poppers, whippets) Many products
readily found in the home or workplace—such as spray paints, markers, glues,
and cleaning fluids—contain volatile substances that have psychoactive
(mind-altering) properties when inhaled through the nose or mouth. They are
especially (but not exclusively) abused by young children and adolescents, and
are the only class of substance abused more by younger than by older teens.
Effects
(Varies by chemical.) Effects can include slurred speech, lack of coordination,
euphoria, and dizziness. Inhalant abusers may also experience
light-headedness, hallucinations, and delusions. With repeated inhalations,
many users feel less inhibited and less in control. Some may feel drowsy for
several hours and experience a lingering headache.
Health Risks
Chemicals found in different types of inhaled products may produce a variety of
other short-term effects, such as cramps, muscle weakness, depression,
memory impairment, nausea or vomiting, as well as more serious long-term
consequences such as liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, bone marrow
damage, loss of coordination, and limb spasms. Inhalants can also cause brain
damage by cutting off oxygen flow to the brain.
Inhalants can even be lethal. Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of the
chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can directly cause heart failure within
minutes. This syndrome, known as “sudden sniffing death,” can result from a
single session of inhalant use by an otherwise healthy young person.
Caitlin is portrayed by
junior, Melanie Dubil
Life at home is getting
rough for Eric. When a
friend shares some cold
medicine, it seems like the
perfect escape.
The more disconnected he
feels, the more he uses.
Drugs of Abuse
Marijuana see “Dan”
Dextromethorphan (DXM) (also: triple c’s, robotripping, syzzurp, purple drank)
Some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cough and cold medicines
contain active ingredients that are psychoactive (mind-altering) at
higher-than-recommended dosages and are frequently abused for this purpose.
These products may also contain other drugs, such as expectorants and
antihistamines, which are dangerous at high doses and compound the dangers
of abuse. They may be mixed with soda for flavor and are often abused in
combination with other drugs, such as alcohol or marijuana.
Effects
When taken in high doses, DXM acts on the same cell receptors as dissociative
hallucinogenic drugs like PCP or ketamine. Users describe effects ranging from
mild stimulation to alcohol- or marijuana-like intoxication, and at high doses,
sensations of physical distortion and hallucinations.
Health Risks
Abusing DXM can cause impaired motor function, numbness, nausea or
vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and at high doses, extreme
agitation, increased body temperature, and a buildup of excess acid in body
fluids. Repeated use can lead to addiction.
When abused, promethazine-codeine cough syrup presents a high risk of fatal
overdose due to its effect of depressing the central nervous system, which can
slow or stop the heart and lungs. Mixing with alcohol greatly increases this risk.
Eric is portrayed by
junior, Bryan Hagelin
Rachel is close with her
mom and has terrific
friends.
When a party gets boring,
she decides to try
something new.
Drugs of Abuse
Alcohol see “Michelle”
MDMA (Molly, ecstasy) MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a
synthetic, psychoactive drug that has similarities to both the stimulant
amphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. It produces feelings of increased
energy, euphoria, emotional warmth and empathy toward others, and distortions
in sensory and time perception. MDMA is taken orally, usually as a capsule or
tablet. The popular term Molly (slang for “molecular”) refers to the pure crystalline
powder form of MDMA, usually sold in capsules.
It is commonly taken in combination with other drugs, including cocaine, GHB,
methamphetamine, ketamine, and the erectile-dysfunction drug sildenafil (Viagra).
Effects
The drug’s effects last approximately 3 to 6 hours, although it is not uncommon
for users to take a second dose of the drug as the effects of the first dose fade.
Physical effects include increases in heart rate and blood pressure, which are
particularly risky for people with circulatory problems or heart disease. MDMA
users may experience other symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary
teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweating.
Health Risks
MDMA can interfere with its own metabolism (breakdown within the body),
causing potentially harmful levels to build up in the body if it is taken repeatedly
within short periods of time. Compounding the risks is the fact that ecstasy
tablets and even capsules of supposedly pure “Molly” sometimes actually
contain other drugs, including ephedrine (a stimulant), dextromethorphan (a
cough suppressant), ketamine, caffeine, cocaine, methamphetamine, or even,
most recently, synthetic cathinones (the psychoactive ingredients in “bath
salts”). These substances are harmful alone and may be particularly dangerous
mixed with MDMA.
Rachel is portrayed by
senior, Sarah Graham
Liz is going to do
whatever it takes to stay
on track as a superstar
student.
Including self-medicating.
Drugs of Abuse
Alcohol see “Michelle”
Adderall (adds) Amphetamine that can be injected, swallowed, smoked or snorted.
Stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin achieve their effects by acting on the same
neurotransmitter systems as cocaine.
Effects
Feelings of exhilaration, increased energy, mental alertness.
Health Risks
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism; reduced appetite, weight
loss, nervousness, insomnia, delirium, panic, paranoia, hallucinations, impulsive
behavior, tolerance, and addiction. Taking high doses of a stimulant can
dangerously raise body temperature and cause irregular heartbeat or even heart
failure or seizures. Taking some stimulants in high doses or repeatedly can lead
to hostility or feelings of paranoia.
Valium & Xanax (zans) Benzodiazepine (benzo) that is swallowed.
Effects
Sedation/drowsiness, reduced anxiety, lowered inhibitions, slurred speech, poor
concentration, confusion, dizziness, impaired coordination/memory.
Health Risks
Slowed pulse, lowered blood pressure, slowed breathing, tolerance, withdrawal,
addiction; increased risk of respiratory distress and death when combined with
alcohol. Risk of seizure and death due to abrupt discontinuation at high doses.
Additional Information Taken as intended, prescription and OTC drugs safely treat
specific mental or physical symptoms. But when taken in different quantities or
when such symptoms aren’t present, they may affect the brain in ways very similar
to illicit drugs.
Liz is portrayed by
senior, Morgan White
Music is what Devon
loves most, until he
meets Haley.
But then something
happens that changes
everything.
Drugs of Abuse
Marijuana see “Dan”
Abilify Abilify (aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic that is prescribed medically for
Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder I or in conjunction with anti-depressants to
enhance effectiveness.
Effects
With a long half-life, aripiprazole increases the length of time that drugs used in
conjunction continue to affect the user.
Health Risks
Lowered blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, increased risk of central nervous
system depression (decreased heart-rate and breathing, loss of consciousness,
or death) when taken with alcohol or benzodiazepines, fever, increased suicidal
ideation, and aggression. High doses can result in aspiration pneumonia.
LSD (acid) LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most potent
mood-changing chemicals. It was discovered in 1938 and is manufactured from
lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other
grains. It is a hallucinogen that is swallowed or absorbed through mouth tissues.
Effects
Altered states of perception and feeling; hallucinations; nausea; increased body
temperature, heart rate, blood pressure; loss of appetite; sweating;
sleeplessness; numbness; dizziness; weakness; tremors; impulsive behavior;
rapid shifts in emotion.
Health Risks
Flashbacks, Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder.
Devon is portrayed by
sophomore, Chad Moran
Feeling smothered by
her parents, Brianna
finds something that
seems to help.
But what happens when
she can’t function
without it?
Drugs of Abuse
Percocet (percs) Opioid that can be chewed, swallowed, snorted, injected,
suppositories. Prescription opioid medications include codeine, fentanyl,
Vicodin, morphine, oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet, Zohydro, and many more.
Effects
Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness, sedation, weakness, dizziness, nausea,
impaired coordination, confusion, dry mouth, itching, sweating, clammy skin,
constipation.
Health Risks
Opioid pain relievers attach to the same cell receptors targeted by illegal
opioids like heroin. Opioids can produce drowsiness, cause constipation,
and—depending upon the amount taken—depress breathing. The latter effect
makes opioids particularly dangerous, especially when they are snorted or
injected or combined with other drugs or alcohol.
Additional Information More people die from overdoses of prescription opioids
than from all other drugs combined, including heroin and cocaine. For the first
time in United States history, more accidental deaths are caused by prescription
drug overdose than car crashes.
Twenty-four percent of American high school students are taking prescription
pills for recreational purposes. Two-thirds of teens who abused pain relievers int
he past year say they got them from family and friends.
The United States makes up less than 5% of the world population, yet we
consume 80% of the world’s prescription painkillers.
In 2010 enough prescription painkillers were prescribed to medicate every adult
American every four hours for one month. In 2013, 207 million prescriptions
were written for prescription opioid pain medications.
Brianna is portrayed by
sophomore, Claire O’Neill
A star lacrosse player
with a bright future is
suddenly faced with
unexpected challenges.
Murph finds a way to
dull the pain.
Drugs of Abuse
Oxycodone (oxy) Oxycodone (generic for OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, and
others) is a semi-synthetic opiate analgesic derived from the opium poppy. Like
other opiates, oxycodone has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
see “Brianna” for Effects and Health Risks of opioid medications.
Heroin (dope, H) Heroin is an opioid drug that is synthesized from morphine, a
naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of the Asian opium
poppy plant. Heroin usually appears as a white or brown powder or as a black
sticky substance, known as “black tar heroin.” Can be smoked, inhaled by
snorting or sniffing, or injected.
Effects
Euphoria; drowsiness; impaired coordination; dizziness; confusion; nausea;
sedation; feeling of heaviness in the body; slowed or arrested breathing. After
an intravenous injection of heroin, users report feeling a surge of euphoria
(“rush”) accompanied by dry mouth, a warm flushing of the skin, heaviness of
the extremities, and clouded mental functioning. Following this initial euphoria,
the user goes “on the nod,” an alternately wakeful and drowsy state.
Health Risks
Constipation; endocarditis; hepatitis; HIV; addiction; fatal overdose. Heroin
abuse is associated with a number of serious health conditions, including fatal
overdose, spontaneous abortion, and infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV.
Chronic users may develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and
valves, abscesses, constipation and gastrointestinal cramping, and liver or
kidney disease. Pulmonary complications, including various types of
pneumonia, may result from the poor health of the user as well as from heroin’s
effects on breathing.
Additional Information Nearly half of young people who inject heroin start by
abusing prescription drugs.
Murph is portrayed by
sophomore, Soren Madsen
Feeling overshadowed
by her “perfect” sister,
Kelly finds a creative
outlet through art.
Will that be enough
when she feels so alone?
Drug of Abuse
Alcohol see “Michelle”
Additional Information Self-injury, also called self-harm, is the act of deliberately
harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It's typically not
meant as a suicide attempt.
There's no one single or simple cause that leads someone to self-injure. In
general, self-injury is usually the result of an inability to cope in healthy ways
with psychological pain related to issues of personal identity and having
difficulty "finding one's place" in family and society. The person has a hard time
regulating, expressing or understanding emotions. The mix of emotions that
triggers self-injury is complex. For instance, there may be feelings of
worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, guilt, rejection, self-hatred or confused
sexuality.
While self-injury may bring a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension,
it's usually followed by guilt and shame and the return of painful emotions. And
with self-injury comes the possibility of more serious and even fatal
self-aggressive actions.
Because self-injury is often done impulsively, it can be considered an
impulse-control behavior problem. Self-injury may be linked to a variety of
mental disorders, such as depression, eating disorders and borderline
personality disorder.
Kelly is portrayed by
senior, Dianna Vassallo
Director’s Notes
When we produced ADDICT in the fall of 2012, our main focus was authenticity: for the
student actors to truly understand the disease of addiction, and for our updated script to
reflect the swiftly changing landscape of teen culture and drug use. By most accounts, our
original production was quite successful. It continued an important conversation in the
Hatboro-Horsham community about these sensitive topics. But even in our final rehearsals
that fall, the production staff (specifically Kim Rubenstein and myself) discussed the need
to revise the script even further. We agreed that by focusing on stories, drugs, and family
narratives more familiar to our community we could only improve the play. And so, just
over 2 years later we began the process of bringing ADDICT back to the HH stage.
As work began on this production, although we still continued to focus on authenticity, we
quickly began to see how important collaboration was to this process. We realized that
no one voice or person would be responsible for what was finally produced, but rather,
that each staff person and cast member would bring his or her own life experiences to the
piece. That is to say, that once a new scene was written it was always open for discussion.
A good deal of this show’s process was not just memorizing the script and discussing
character motivations, but also dissecting nearly every line of dialogue. Although initially
nervous about these script “feedback sessions,” I was amazed by the maturity, empathy,
and bravery of members of this cast. Working together, the students articulated which
characters and moments resonated with them, and which lines felt a bit hokey.
Additionally, I must commend the cast, crew, and staff for their extreme patience during
this process. Unlike standard productions, where one receives a complete script several
months before opening night, here we have continued to tweak and modify at nearly every
rehearsal. Although a “final” script does now exist, this play feels to me like a living,
breathing document. With a different group of actors, or in a different community, or even
one year later, I’m sure that revisions would be again required.
As my awareness of the recovery community has grown over the past few years, it has
become apparent to me that no alcoholic, no addict succeeds alone. Rather, those who
are successful in their recovery do so with the help of a sponsor, meetings, a supportive
family, and a network of other caring individuals. To some extent, it has taken that same
type of network to bring ADDICT to life once again. If we were missing one cast member,
or had a different production staff, you would see a different show tonight. The honesty
and the courage demonstrated by each person involved with this production was needed
for us to be successful. So for that, thank you.
– To my cast, who dared to take on such an unknown piece of theatre: Thank you for
helping me shape this work and all of your insightful (and often humorous) insights.
– To Ian, Kim, Dawn, and Heather, who shared my vision and passion. Thank you for your
perceptive notes, drug and alcohol expertise, and marketing wizardry. Your guidance was
priceless.
And finally, I hope that you – the audience member – are able to appreciate tonight’s show.
Admittedly, there will be some moments that are poignant, and sad, and perhaps even
painful. In Jerome McDonough’s notes on the show, he wrote: “ADDICT is fiction— but
every word is the truth”. We hope that our show preserves his vision. And that tonight’s
show is true for you.
Kristin Hannings
The Ensemble
Back Row:
Alan Sonntag, Alexandra Rivers, Dylan Reckner, Daniel Mitchell, and Riley Hohenstein
Front Row:
Kate Schill, Taylor Hough, Annika Jorgensen, Zach Cahill, and Julianna Vasick
Assistant Director, Ian Vosseler
Ian Vosseler is a Hatboro-Horsham alumnus and graduate of West Chester University of
Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Performance. Ian
recently appeared in Truth Be Told Production's BENT as part of the Philadelphia Fringe
Festival. He has also had the chance to use his degree to provide lighting and sound
operation for several dance studios in the area. ADDICT marks Ian's directorial debut. He
is honored to have been provided the opportunity return to the school where he began to
hone his craft, and to be able to work with such an amazing cast of talented individuals.
Original score composed by
Anthony Viscounte
Anthony Viscounte (HH Class of '07, Berklee College of Music Class of '12) is a
composer, songwriter, author & educator. He recently authored five textbooks for
Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Los Angeles, where over 150 of
his original songs and compositions were published. With four albums to his name, in
April he will be releasing his debut solo EP, "What A Day," a sunny blend of folk and
funk. For all the latest on his music, follow @anthviscounte and visit
www.anthonyviscounte.com
Signs & Symptoms
If you are wondering if someone you care about might
be using or abusing alcohol or other drugs, this guide may be useful in
recognizing physical, behavioral and emotional characteristics.
Personality
Becomes disrespectful—is verbally and physically abusive
Is angry a lot, acts paranoid or confused, or suffers from extreme mood swings
Seems depressed and less out-going than usual
Is secretive and lies about what he is doing and where he is going
Is stealing or “losing” possessions he used to value
Seems to have a lot of money, or is always asking for money
Withdraws from the family and family activities
Physical Appearance
Not taking care of hygiene and grooming
Not sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of appetite
Weight loss or weight gain
Too hyperactive or too little energy
Social Activity / School Performance
Drops old friends and activities
Is skipping school or is sleeping in class
Loses interest in school work and is getting low grades
Loses concentration and is having trouble remembering things
Source: SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Addiction
Defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory
and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic
biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is
reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by
substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in
behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems
with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional
emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves
cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in
recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or
premature death.
be a part of the
CONVERSATION
Please join us immediately following the play in the
cafeteria and Be a Part of the Conversation.
We will be gathering in small groups to talk about tonight’s play with the cast, as well
as young people in recovery from addiction and others who will share their
experience, strength and hope.
The breakout sessions will be lead by volunteer Facilitators who are not acting in any
official capacity, but are simply helping to guide the discussions and direct guests
toward resources.
No one needs to suffer alone.
No living person is beyond help.
In addition to the helpful contacts listed below,
Be a Part of the Conversation’s website provides
many more resources. www.conversation.zone
Alcoholics Anonymous (Southeastern Pennsylvania Intergroup Association of
Alcoholics Anonymous) Find a meeting, learn about AA, read monthly newsletters.
www.sepennaa.org
Narcotics Anonymous Global, community-based organization to help those
struggling with addiction. www.na.org
Al-Anon and Alateen An organization dedicated to helping families and friends of
problem drinkers recover from the impacts of a loved one’s drinking.
www.al-anon.alateen.org
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With
help comes hope. www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Thank You to Our
Event Sponsors
Patron $500
Caron Treatment Centers
Malvern Institute
The Rotary Club of Horsham
Friend $100
Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation (HHEF)
Incentives & Promotions International
Special thanks to...
Alexander Balacki, MS, F-ABMDI,
The Montgomery County Coroner's Office
Heather Gregan, LPC, CADC
Hatboro-Horsham School District
Dawn Tucker, MS
Rev. Jack Abel, Donna Branigan, Nancy DeLucia, Bethany Kassar,
Theresa Katalinas, Sandy Mergenthaler, Lori Quintavalle,
Anna Rubenstein, Christine Storm, Monica Taylor,
Dennis Williams & Theresa Williams
Brittney, Laura, & Shea