Download an addiction

Grade 8
Healthy Living
Addictions
SCO 3.11: demonstrate an understanding that there are
many factors that contribute to our health status
SCO 3.16: examine the impacts of substance use and
gambling, both legally sanctioned and illegal activities
have on communities
What is an addiction?
Is it a…
Disease?
or
Behaviour?
What are some examples of
addiction?
(What are some things people can become addicted to?)
List:
Why do people become addicted to …?
We become addicted because:
 Drugs affect the most basic (reptilian) part of the brain. (The
mesolimbic reward system)
 Basically, addiction is a hijacking of the survival system and
executive level of your brain
 Many mammals have a tendency to want to alter their
perception of reality.
 Drugs ‘numb’ the decision making part of your brain and at the
same time ignite the emotional, needs, and cravings sites in
your frontal lobe.
 Drugs impair our decision making ability and judgement.
Addiction is…
A disease...
 is an abnormal physiological process
 brought on by a combination of
environmental and/or genetic factors
 has signs and symptoms
 has a natural history that is predictable
 responds to treatment(s)
Addiction is…
a disease of the brain.
Addiction is…
a brain disease!
(It is not simply a behaviour we can choose to
control or not control.)
Why do people take drugs?
Brainstorm/share/discuss…
To Do:
1. Read the section “Why Do People Take Drugs?”
from the booklet The Truth About Drugs.
The article can also be accessed here…
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/drugs/why-do-people-take-drugs.html
Write one or two sentences that summarize what you think
is most important about each section that you read.
To Do…
2. Watch the documentary The Truth About Drugs.
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/#/documentaries/truth-aboutdrugs-documentary-intro
Write a well-written summary statement about this
documentary.
To Do…
3. Watch the following PSAs (public service announcements):
PSA – Popular
PSA – Best High
PSA – Tripping
PSA – One of the Guys
and others…
The above PSAs and others can be accessed here:
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/#/videos
(Drugfreeworld.org)
For each PSA, record the title, the theme of each PSA,
and rate it (1 to 10) on how true it is.
To Do:
4. The Truth About Drugs is a series of thirteen illustrated
drug information booklets containing facts about the most
commonly abused drugs.
You can access the booklets here:
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/drugs/why-dopeople-take-drugs.html
Skim through each and record several facts for each drug.
To Do:
Gambling
To Do:
Making connections…
1. What impacts do gambling and drug addictions have
on our community and out society?
2. Where can addicts get help?
Assessment
4
SCO 3.11: demonstrate an understanding
that there are many factors that contribute to
our health status
SCO 3.16: examine the impacts of
substance use and gambling, both legally
sanctioned and illegal activities have on
communities
Due: June 2013!
3
2
1