Recovering from Addiction

"Recovering from Addiction" invites students to witness two stories of recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders through short films that depict different lived experiences. Students are invited to read and reflect on the definition, guiding principles, and dimensions of recovery, and then use that knowledge to help them understand more about the films' protagonists. They will first watch a drama that examines the impacts of drinking in an Indigenous community and the struggle to overcome grief and past traumas through culture, traditional practices and self-healing. A second drama will depict what happens when a sober painter discovers a long forgotten stash of pills buried beneath her paintbrushes. Following each film, students will identify elements of recovery they observed in the film, as well as depictions of hope. The class ends with an opportunity brainstorm alternatives to alcohol or substances.

Notes:
- This class includes supplementary materials that can be completed at the start of class or assigned as homework. If assigned as homework, the class duration may be approximately 15 minutes shorter.
- This class has two optional Supplemental Resource that can allow for more time spent learning about Alcohol Use and Substance Disorders. Please plan to add at least 20 minutes to the class time if you plan to incorporate this Resource.