Read the following:
Focus on why a cycle of addiction gets set into motion while reading the two scenarios below, and respond to the questions that follow
Scenario 1
Allison was having a bad year. After years of not getting along. her parents had finally decided to get a divorce. While there was a lot of tension in the house, her parents were trying hard to be polite to each other and considerate of Allison's and her younger brother's feelings. Always a good student, Allison continued to find comfort in studying hard and getting good grades in school. Her best friend. Susie, had really been there for her. too. Every weekend Susie had planned something fun for them to do by themselves or with other friends. Over the past several months. Allison and Susie had gone ice-skating on a regular basis, seen many movies, and gone bowling. Allison had also continued to play soccer on her school's team. Throughout the year.
Allison had been able to talk to her parents about the pending divorce. Allison's parents had been willing to listen to her concerns and discuss her anger about this big change in her life.
Allison felt really sad. but she also felt that she was going to be alright.
Scenario 2
Laura felt as if her life was falling apart. Her parents had just told her that they were getting a divorce. Although her parents hadn't gotten along for years. Laura had always hoped that they would hnd a way to slay together so they could continue to be a family. Instead, her parents didn't seem to have any time to talk to her about her feelings. Laura had always thought that she had a few good friends. but she wasn't leeling like she could turn to them now. Her friend Katy had a boyfriend. and she didn't get a chance to see her soccer teammates much outside of games and practices. Laura nad always been a good student, and she continuedito complete her assignments on time. But she had noticed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate on her schoolwork. Because she was feeling tonely and isolated. Laura was considering going to a party with Katy. She had heard that some kids brought drugs to these parties.
For that reason. she had always stayed away. Now however she thought that it might be a way to get out of the house and forget about her problems for a little while, It might be fun. Laura
Was thinking that unless something else happened so that her social life improves she might just go.
Answer the following questions in a 5th graders response
1. Which person is more vulnerable to becoming involved with drugs? Why?
2. What role do friends play in both girls' lives? Do you think friends are an important influence? Give reasons to support your ideas.
3.What role does family play in the girls" lives (Laura Allison)? Do you think the family is an important influence? Give reasons to support your ideas.
4.Do you think that Allison | Laura are going to turn to drugs? Why or why not? What factors in her life will help her decide not to use drugs? How do you think those factors will affect the way she makes decisions about other issues in her life?
5.
What do you think are some characteristics of people whe turn to drugs? What are some characteristics of people who cope in other ways? Give examples to support your ideas.
1. Laura is more vulnerable to becoming involved with drugs because she is feeling lonely and isolated, and she is considering going to a party where drugs may be present. Allison, on the other hand, has a strong support system in her friends and family, and she is finding healthy ways to cope with her emotions.
2. Friends play a significant role in both girls' lives. For Allison, her friend Susie provides her with companionship and fun activities, which help her cope with her parents' divorce. For Laura, her friend Katy is not as available to her due to having a boyfriend, and she is feeling even more alone. Friends can have a big influence on a person's choices and behaviors, so it's important to have supportive and positive friends.
3. Family also plays a crucial role in the girls' lives. Allison is able to talk to her parents about her feelings and concerns, and they are there for her during this difficult time. In Laura's case, her parents are not communicating with her about their divorce, which leaves her feeling neglected and adrift. A supportive family can provide comfort and stability during challenging times.
4. I don't think either Allison or Laura will turn to drugs. Allison has a strong support system, with friends and family who are there for her, and she is finding healthy ways to cope with her emotions. Laura may be feeling tempted to try drugs as a way to escape her problems, but if she can find other ways to socialize and connect with people, she may be able to avoid that path. Making positive choices and finding healthy ways to cope with stress can help both girls make good decisions in other areas of their lives as well.
5. Some characteristics of people who turn to drugs may include feeling lonely, isolated, or overwhelmed by their problems. They may be seeking an escape from reality or a way to numb their emotions. On the other hand, people who cope in other ways may have strong support systems, healthy coping mechanisms, and a positive outlook on life. They may engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, rather than seeking out substances to mask their pain.