Episode 8- Addiction

Intro (1 min) “Hear Me Calling” or “Lucid Dreams” Paul-Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Episode Topic: JuiceWRLD and the criminalization of Black addiction Segment A: On December 9th, JuiceWRLD (real name Jarad Anthony Higgins) tragically passed due to an accidental overdose while onboard a flight. To some, this story speaks to how addiction has seemed to take hold of what appears to be a new generation of people. Instead, we plan to shed some information on how drug use has existed in the U.S. and then further interrogate what specifically caused his passing. Info Section: “Repeated drug and alcohol use causes chemical dependency or lasting changes to the way the brain functions and operates. In fact, all abused substances alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory and learning by hijacking the brain’s normal reward pathways” - A direct quote from the Caron Medical Department Question 1) So, addiction can take many forms, what are some ways in which you have observed addiction? 5 min Question 2) How do you know too much is too much? How can young people identify addiction around them and within themselves? Question 3) Those who are suffering from addiction may feel that the benefits of drugs outweigh the cost of drug use. Drug usage is an objective chemical action that assists you to escape. What advice would you provide to an individual who sees the benefits more than they see the cost of battling addiction? Benefits Escape Speeds up the brain Changes perceptions ( pain killers, mood-altering drugs) Sensations ( pleasure) Relief( from problems, emotions, and responsibility) More distraction vs escape from the issue Cost Life Relationships Dependency I Segment B: In our society addition is both demonized and glorified in our society. Is there a connection between music, social media, television, and movies or pop culture in general to addiction? How does fame impact celebrities' addiction and messages around it? Question 4) Should there be regulations on media production around drug and alcohol use? Question 5) What can we take away from JuiceWRLD’s death? What are some suggestions or supports that our listeners can use to assist them in battling or living with addiction? Lead By Example: A segment where we highlight Black people who we think are doing or did good work Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor: Shipping and Handling: The power of mentorship and its influence in our life Close/outro -