Asynchronous Academy

Addiction

Department
PHYS-ED

To understand addiction, we must look beyond the substance or behaviour and look at the "why." Dr. Gabor Maté, a world-renowned expert who spent years working in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, challenges the traditional view of addiction. He suggests that addiction is not a choice or a moral failure, but rather a response to pain.

Watch and Reflect:

  • Listen to Dr. Maté’s explanation of the nature of addiction.
  • Note his perspective on how environment and past experiences shape our brain's reward systems.

Self-Reflection & Decision-Making

Dr. Maté defines addiction as: "Any behavior that a person finds temporary pleasure or relief in, but suffers negative consequences as a result of, and cannot give up."

Using that broad definition, consider your own habits. This is for your personal growth—no one else will see these answers.

Consider the following:

  • Is there anything you use to temporarily escape your life that you sometimes have a hard time controlling? (This could be social media, gaming, shopping, or specific substances).
  • Identify Patterns: What are the specific times or feelings (stress, boredom, loneliness) when you feel a "need" for this escape? Conversely, when do you feel most in control and least likely to need it?

Proactive Planning

The goal of understanding these patterns is to regain the power of choice. When we understand our "triggers," we can build alternatives.

Make a Mental Plan:

  1. The Situation: Identify a difficult situation in your life that usually leads to a compulsive behavior.
  2. The Alternatives: List two other things you can do in that moment to manage the stress or pain without resorting to the habit you want to change.
  3. The Support: Who or what can help you stay on track during those difficult moments?

Assessment

Pre-Submission

Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.

What to Turn In

  • 📤
    Pre-Submission Self-Assessment Google Doc
  • 📤

    Nothing to submit

Learning Goals

We are learning to:

  • 🎯

    Understand the underlying nature of addiction and its relationship to emotional pain and temporary escape

  • 🎯

    Identify personal patterns of behaviour and develop proactive strategies for healthy decision-making

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    Explain the effects and implications of addictive behaviors on my personal well-being and mental health

    Expectations Covered: C1.3
  • ✅

    Apply decision-making and problem-solving skills to create a plan for managing difficult situations

    Expectations Covered: C3.4
  • ✅

    Identify alternatives to compulsive behaviors that help me stay in control and maintain my well-being

    Expectations Covered: C3.4