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 9 th 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. This is because she is feeling lonely and isolated, and is considering attending a party where drugs may be present as a way to escape from her problems. On the other hand, Allison has a supportive friend and family, and is coping with her parents' divorce in a healthier way.
2. Friends play a significant role in both girls' lives. Susie has been a source of support and distraction for Allison, while Katy seems to be somewhat unavailable or preoccupied with her boyfriend. Friends can be an important influence as they can provide emotional support, distraction, and even temptations like drugs. In the case of Allison, Susie's positive influence helps her cope with her parents' divorce.
3. For Allison, her family seems to play a supportive role as her parents are willing to listen to her concerns and discuss the divorce. This helps Allison feel that she can get through the tough situation. In Laura's case, her parents' lack of communication and support may be contributing to her feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. Family can be an important influence as they can provide emotional support and guidance during difficult times.
4. I believe that Laura is more at risk of turning to drugs due to her feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, factors such as finding healthier ways to cope with her emotions, seeking help from a trusted adult or counselor, and the potential consequences of drug use may help her decide not to use drugs. These factors will likely impact the way she makes decisions about other issues in her life as they will teach her healthier coping mechanisms and decision-making skills.
5. Some characteristics of people who turn to drugs may include feelings of loneliness, sadness, isolation, and a lack of healthy coping mechanisms. On the other hand, people who cope in other ways may exhibit characteristics such as having a strong support system, good problem-solving skills, and a willingness to seek help when needed. For example, Laura's decision to attend a party with drugs as a way to escape from her problems demonstrates a lack of healthy coping mechanisms compared to Allison, who seeks support from friends and family to deal with her parents' divorce.