| Introduce topic by describing, activity name, content standard, and objectives. Begin discussion by asking the following questions: What myths have you heard about alcohol? Do you think someone with a steady job cannot be an addict? Do you think all addicts are sick? Do you think that addicts use drugs because they want to? Ask them to expand on their answers. Tell them that according to Rafael Maldonado, MD, expert professor of pharmacology at the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, "an addiction is a state of mind that leads to excessive use of a drug in order to get a sense of well-being and/or prevent negative consequences of withdrawal. Given the fact that addictive drugs produce pleasure while others deactivate behavior-controlling circuits, many people believe that alcohol and drugs are not as dangerous, so that there are many myths about it." Tell the participants that you will show the video "Top Ten Myths About Alcohol and Drugs", which introduces common myths about alcohol and drugs. After the video ends, ask participants: What do you think about these myths? Is it true that we all consume drugs on different levels? Can a person quit drugs just by will alone? In order to identify other myths not presented in video,distribute a copy of the article "Ten popular myths about drugs, addiction and recovery." Form five teams and assign each group two myths (preferably, but if the group is reduced, form fewer teams and assign a greater number of myths per team). Have each team discuss the myths assigned and ask them to discuss why those myths are reinforced by many people. Let the groups know that they need to identify someone in their group to share to the larger group in class. As a final activity, ask participants what myths are the most controversial and completely wrong. |