Alternatives
We are just heading out on another trip to Hay River North West Territories to do some work during National Addictions Awareness Week.
As always this is an opportunity to hopefully help people change how they think. If we think what we are doing is OK that it isn't a problem or a big deal or what everyone else is doing then we will have a very hard time seeing that there is anything problematic about what we are doing. The other factor is that there are a lot of things about drug and alcohol use that we like, that makes it even harder to see that there is a problem.
I just finished running a three day Alternative to Suspension workshop with a group of kids who had been suspended for drug use at school. Coming into this the kids really thought that the only problem was that they got caught. Our team worked very hard at getting them to look at their thinking. We coupled that with a lot of education about the true nature of drug and alcohol use.
The theme was (yes I have talked about this before)
Is what you are thinking true?
Is it really true? (we really tell ourselves what we want to believe)
How am I feeling/acting because of how I am thinking?
How would I feel or act if I thought differently?
By the end of the three days there had been a significant shift in their thinking. They were considering change.
It is always interesting to watch that happen.
I am taking one of the kids I have worked with along on this trip so that she can share her story of falling into the grasp of addiction, her struggle to get out and how good things are now. Generally the stories from young people have the greatest impact.
We go through 5 Airports on our way to Hay River so I'll keep you updated along the way.
Here is what Ariann is thinking.
Well, I am sitting in the Calgary airport with rand waiting to get on the plane to Edmonton. I don't quite know how I am feeling, maybe a little anxious and excited. I do not know what to expect. My only goal is to open the eyes of kids my age or around my age. Even if I can help or inspire one person my purpose has been fulfilled. I am so fortunate to have an opportunity like this. I do not regret any part of my journey in recovery for it has made me who I am.
Ariann
