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As a group, respond to the following questions:-	

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As a group, respond to the following questions:-	

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How do you define addiction?- What do you believe about those who have substance use disorder and why do you believe those things?

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You have 30 minutes for group discussion and 5 minutes per group to present in plenary.

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You have 30 minutes for group discussion and 5 minutes per group to present in plenary.

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A brain disease that disrupts the central nervous system. Characterized by the compulsion to seek out the substance despite the negative or harmful consequences. A chronic relapsing brain disease.

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It is not just a learnt or habitual disorder, it is a brain disease.

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Reflections - Julia, Alexandria, Elena, Garnet, Davone, Nahtalia, Paulavette

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Reflections - Julia, Alexandria, Elena, Garnet, Davone, Nahtalia, Paulavette

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Addiction is a chronic, compulsive relapsing brain disease which affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by compulsive use of psychoactive substances and impacts both the individual and the family.

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A chronic, compulsive, relapsing brain disease with continuous substance use despite the harmful consequences to self and others.

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Anyone can be affected by substance use or abuse regardless of gender, race or social position. Sometimes genetic or environmental factors can be a trigger as can the individual's physical makeup.

Why?

Stigma - others have low expectations of them

Underlying symptoms - addiction may not be the main problem e.g. abuse, family history

Experimentation or circumstances may lead to addiction

Peer Pressure

Economical factors - a fast lifestyle that is presented with selling

Women - introduced by a partner - abusive relationships

The uncontrollable physical impact of the substances on the brain and how it responds

Addiction cannot be cured - only managed, like other chronic diseases

Why do we have these opinions?

Based on experience with clients

We have received education/training/research

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Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by persistent use of a drug despite substantial harm and adverse consequences.
- a relapsing brain disease characterized by
compulsive substance seeking use despite harmful consequence.
- a physical and psychological dependence on a drug

Beliefs about SUD:
-There are varying degrees of substance use: recreational to dependence.
-Some individuals have comorbid mental illneses
-Individuals require help to remain abstinent
-They require social support from family and friends
-They have difficulty coping with life, want to escape life/pain.

Why:
-Experiences working with SUD clients such as binge users, regular users
-Experience with clients diagnosed with SUD and at some points other symptoms of psychosis are presenting
-Individuals tend to find it difficult to find the motivation to stick to sobriety, and are more successful in treatment when provided with external motivators that support sobriety.
-Individuals tend to stick to goal of sobriety when they have family and peer support
-Client report experiences that drugs have been helpful in reducing emotional pain; clients unable to cope withdrawal

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Daria Delancy, Jasmine Johnson, David Gordon, Monica Smith, Sarah Stennett, Virgil Wilson

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Daria Delancy, Jasmine Johnson, David Gordon, Monica Smith, Sarah Stennett, Virgil Wilson

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Generally, group members believe that persons who have substance use disorders have a disease which needs to be treated.

Stigma affects help-seeking behaviour, and may not want to access treatment. Client support is an important factor in recovery.

Science says that a person who has a substance use disorder has a disease but there is a school of thought that suggests that "something may be wrong" with that individual physiologically and psychologically.

Persons who have substance use disorders are usually stigmatized by society and this may lead to them internalizing "shame" and feeling guilty for their addiction.

Group members who work directly with persons in treatment indicated that addicted persons have a desire to improve their condition and access treatment, but feel a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. A history of traumatic experiences may have led persons to become addicted and then they enter into a cycle of self-destructive behaviours.

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Root of addiction is pain,  people use substances to cope
They have difficulty managing stress and life, need help to manage without stigma and discrimination
Peer pressure, trying to fit in, emotional issues accompanied by shame, rejection and low self image.
Deep seated trauma leads to substance use
Predisposing factors such as genetics and Physiological add to use and abuse

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Julian Sands, Eddiemae Gibson Sherise Rolle and lady from CCAC BAHAMAS

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Julian Sands, Eddiemae Gibson Sherise Rolle and lady from CCAC BAHAMAS

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Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease where individuals are compulsive subsatance seekers and users regardless of the harmful consequences.
Addiction can be treated overtime but its up to the individual to want to get better and willing to take the steps of recovery. I feel that everyone has a chance to be a better person but it is up to them to make that change

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Persons listed

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Alexandria, Davone, Julia, Eneia, Garnet, Judith, Nahtalia, Paulavette

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Alexandria, Davone, Julia, Eneia, Garnet, Judith, Nahtalia, Paulavette

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Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease which affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by compulsive substance use and impacts the individual and the family.

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The reason we believe these is because of our knowledge, experience, relationship with our clients and continuous training.