Part 1:
Chapter 11 & 12 – Using the web resources provided in this weeks’ folder, investigate one website resource for a “selected population or diverse culture as described in your text. Share what you investigated – Did you discover anything of particular interest? If the group could speak to us what would they want from their addictions counselor? Post your answers and respond to 2 other classmates’ postings.(10 pts)
Part 2: Respond to student:
Student 1: There is a website in which it helps african american and afro Caribbeans:
to an external site.. They focus on culture, spirituality and and social views or beliefs of the community. There are treatment options, online therapy, alcohol assessment, and information about opioids and cocaine crisis.
I like that the website provides all the stress of being a minority person in a black community. The issues of being racially profiled, violence even in the Black community as well as external, unfair opportunities and various ways that the issues that are experienced can manifest in other ways such as anxiety or depression. It is a 24 hour, surveillance and are able to have holistic approaches. However the holistic approaches are not given if detoxing at home. I like that it gives further articles on addiction and family members and how they can be impacted.
If this website could speak for Black people, it would be to understand the racism and unfairness that is among Black people. There is also needed to be able to understand our spiritual side of things and why we rely on God or higher power to pull us through a crisis. Understanding that each black person story is not the same and do not all have the same background of being poor and not able to provide for their families.
Part 3: If you were to talk to a group of teens about the sort of substance abuse prevention that would be most effective from their point of view, what would they suggest? What would their parents say? What would a counselor say? Post your answers and respond to 2 other classmates’ postings.
Part 4: respond to two students
Student 1: I think the best way to prevent substance abuse is with a well-rounded approach that focuses on more than just the dangers of drugs. I’d want to help teens understand why they might turn to substances in the first place, like stress, peer pressure, or past trauma. It’s really about addressing those deeper issues. I’d emphasize mental health support and teach teens how to cope with tough situations in healthy ways. I’d also encourage early intervention and making sure there are safe spaces where teens can talk about what’s going on without feeling judged. It’s not just about saying no to drugs; it’s about building resilience, improving self-esteem, and giving teens the tools to make better decisions and feel confident in their choices. Teens don’t want to be preached to or scared into making choices; they want to be heard, respected, and understood, and then they’re open to listening.
Student 2: If I were to talk to teens, I would want to be open and honest about how substance abuse can have an impact on them, even if they are not the ones on drugs. I want to get their stories on how they are impacted by substance abuse from other family members. I want them to understand that their feelings matter and that this is judgement free space to talk about concerns. I would not want to lecture them and tell them about how it is wrong. I want them to also feel safe enough to get help from a trusting adult if they like it is too much for them as well if they need to help a friend. Teens will be able to provide questions and feel connected with the stories that they are open about with each other. Some teens may want to explore substances because of other teens and peer pressure.
