M2D1: Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Readiness for Change
Module 2
As we learned last week, an active discussion is the key to an interesting and engaging online course. Discussion in this course is designed to simulate a brick and mortar classroom discussion. Rather than each of you posting a mini paper in response to the discussion questions, lets go through the questions together one question at a time. As you join in the discussion, you should read what has already been posted and then add substantively to what has been written; dont just start a new initial post.
The modules in this course are one week in length. At 12:01 on Sunday evening, your next module begins. So, remember that time goes quickly and you should, therefore, post early! Get in the habit of checking the discussions as often as you can to see what others have posted, and then respond accordingly to your classmates and me. The earlier in the week that you post, the deeper the conversation and learning will be. We will all go through each question, one at a time. I will to assist you with the transition to the next question.
By the end of this activity, we will be able to categorize the symptoms and patterns of abuse and dependence, examine the family response to the presence of substance abuse, and examine factors influencing readiness to make a change away from the abuse or dependence.
First lets start with the opinion question, before you begin completing this weeks materials.
William Shakespeare uttered a famous quote: Oh God, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! That we should, with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause, transform ourselves into beasts. (The Tempest).
When answering question they have to be numbered like 1) or a).
1) Question: What possesses an individual to continue to ingest substances that clearly are ravaging the body and mind?
Now, meaningfully applying all of this weeks learning materials to what we have read so far of Beautiful Boy (through p. 204):
Lets look at the response to substance abuse through the perspectives of Nic and his family. Why does abusing seem so good to Nic and so abhorrent to his family? Reflecting back on Shakespeares quote, in what ways does the quote relate to these feelings/emotions? As we engage in discussion, consider the symptoms and patterns of abuse/use that Nic is exhibiting. Also, explore Davids response to his sons abuse and the influence of this response on his actions as a parent.
Now that we have explored some of the symptoms of abuse/dependence and looked at the responses to this abuse by Nic and various family members, lets move on to the next question and talk about Nics readiness for change. Where do you see Nicon the continuum of readiness for change so far in the assigned reading?
Note: We will be discussing each question together as a group, one at a time. As you create your posts, remember that the goal is an informed, dynamic conversation. Be creative in your headings and responsive to others who have posted before you. As you create responses to others, create new and descriptive titles to your post. Dont simply put “re:” or type in a person’s name that is already clear from the thread. Instead, if you type a full sentence or long enough phrase that the point of your post will be clear. This tip for using the subject line effectively will make navigating all discussion threads easy and meaningful. There is no right or wrong response, but you should demonstrate an ability to relate the module materials to the discussion questions in an articulate, well-reasoned manner.
https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/ps.48.5.644
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/alcoholism-and-alcohol-abuse.htm
