Addiction Education Lessons

IIKELC is proud to announce a new 4-part addiction education series that covers the topics of childhood trauma and addiction, alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants. This series is a unique approach to looking at addiction and addictive substances as it covers the general effects and dangers as well as health alternatives to each substance we look at. This series aims to counter the old adage of “don’t do drugs” and approaches conversations around addiction and substance use from a shame-free lens which aspires to encourage students to make educated decisions about their health and their future.

The Addiction Education Lessons hold complex questions about what is truly at the root of addiction and also teaches students about how each drug affects your brain chemistry and how to create desired feelings without harming your brain. These lessons are also written from a perspective that is informed of the complex trauma that Nunavummiut experience and is considering the intergenerational trauma that has extended from residential schools, the dog slaughter, and the TB epidemic for why there are higher rates of substance abuse in Nunavut. This series is meant to be used by teachers, mental health educators, and community outreach workers with students aged 12 and above.

These lessons were heavily inspired by Natural Highs; a substance abuse prevention program for youth and adults in Colorado, USA. All of the brain chemistry education and healthy alternatives information was adapted from their curriculum. The series was designed for the lessons to be taught in order so that the content builds on itself, but if desired each lesson can be taught independently as well. There is a PowerPoint Presentation that is accompanied by a Facilitator’s Guide/Script for each lesson. Please see all the lessons attached below. Qujannamiik!

Lesson #1: Addiction 101

Lesson #2: Alcohol

Lesson #3: Cannabis

Lesson #4: Stimulants

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