Addiction Cycle: Storyboard That Health Lesson (2025)

Q: What is the cycle of addiction and how does it work?

The cycle of addiction refers to the repeating pattern of behaviors and emotions that keep a person stuck in substance use. It usually includes stages such as trigger , craving , use , guilt or shame , and temporary relief , which often leads back to triggers. Understanding these steps helps identify when and how to intervene.

Q: At which stage is it best to break the addiction cycle?

The ideal stage to break the addiction cycle can vary, but it is often most effective before or during the 'caving to use' stage, when cravings are strong but action hasn't yet been taken. Intervening early maximizes chances for change, but support at any stage is valuable.

Q: What are the five steps in the addiction cycle for high school students to learn?

The five typical steps in the addiction cycle are: 1. Trigger (stress or event), 2. Craving , 3. Use , 4. Guilt/Shame , and 5. Temporary Relief . Teaching these helps students identify patterns and recognize opportunities for intervention.

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Lesson Plan Overview

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Lesson Plan Overview

Understanding addiction can be a difficult concept. Most individuals see the negative behavior of using drugs and label that person as "bad" or "weak". Many drug users are unable to properly cope with stress, and the underlying cause for some drug abusers may be instant relief of stressors. The cycle of addiction can be a hard one to break.

In this activity, students will create a storyboard that illustrates the cycle of addiction. They should be sure to include a description of each step and determine when the best time to break the cycle is. In the storyboard example above, the best time is indicated as the "caving to use" stage, however this is not always the case for people.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Demonstrate your understanding of how to break the addiction cycle by creating a storyboard.

Click "Start Assignment".
Use a five cell cycle layout with titles and descriptions.
List the five steps of the cycle in the each of the title boxes.
In the cell’s description box, briefly explain briefly what usually takes place during each step.
Indicate the best opportunity to break the cycle in the appropriate description box.
Write a brief reflection statement in the description box for guilt/shame.
Illustrate a visual example of each step in the cells using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items. Do not depict the actual use of the drug.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Cycle Chart Layout

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Breaking the Addiction Cycle

Students will create a storyboard that depicts the addiction cycle and the best place to break it.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Structure	A five cell cycle storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates understanding different drug categories and the effects on the body.	A five cell cycle storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear.	There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content.
Titles, Descriptions, and Order	The cell titles align with the theme of the cell. The descriptions effectively describes the steps. The cells are in the correct order.	The cell titles align with the theme of the cell. The descriptions adequately describes the steps. The cells are in the an incorrect order.	The cell titles do not align with the theme of the cell. The descriptions fails to describe the steps. The cells are in the an incorrect order.
Breaking the Cycle/Reflection	There was a clear description of how someone could break the addiction cycle. The break is listed in the correct cell. A brief reflection was listed in the guilt/shame cell.	There was a clear description of how someone could break the addiction cycle. The break is listed in the cell that has the least opportunity for success. A brief reflection was listed in the guilt/shame cell.	There was an unclear description of how someone could break the addiction cycle. The break is listed in the cell that has the least opportunity for success.
Cells	The cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict an image accurately showcasing the theme.	The cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict an image accurately showcasing the theme.	The cells used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict an image inaccurately showcasing the theme.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Demonstrate your understanding of how to break the addiction cycle by creating a storyboard.

Click "Start Assignment".
Use a five cell cycle layout with titles and descriptions.
List the five steps of the cycle in the each of the title boxes.
In the cell’s description box, briefly explain briefly what usually takes place during each step.
Indicate the best opportunity to break the cycle in the appropriate description box.
Write a brief reflection statement in the description box for guilt/shame.
Illustrate a visual example of each step in the cells using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items. Do not depict the actual use of the drug.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Cycle Chart Layout

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Breaking the Addiction Cycle

Students will create a storyboard that depicts the addiction cycle and the best place to break it.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Structure	A five cell cycle storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates understanding different drug categories and the effects on the body.	A five cell cycle storyboard was created with titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear.	There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content.
Titles, Descriptions, and Order	The cell titles align with the theme of the cell. The descriptions effectively describes the steps. The cells are in the correct order.	The cell titles align with the theme of the cell. The descriptions adequately describes the steps. The cells are in the an incorrect order.	The cell titles do not align with the theme of the cell. The descriptions fails to describe the steps. The cells are in the an incorrect order.
Breaking the Cycle/Reflection	There was a clear description of how someone could break the addiction cycle. The break is listed in the correct cell. A brief reflection was listed in the guilt/shame cell.	There was a clear description of how someone could break the addiction cycle. The break is listed in the cell that has the least opportunity for success. A brief reflection was listed in the guilt/shame cell.	There was an unclear description of how someone could break the addiction cycle. The break is listed in the cell that has the least opportunity for success.
Cells	The cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict an image accurately showcasing the theme.	The cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict an image accurately showcasing the theme.	The cells used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict an image inaccurately showcasing the theme.

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How Tos about Cycle of Addiction

Engage students in open discussions about addiction triggers

Start a safe, judgement-free conversation to help students identify common triggers of addiction. This makes the topic relatable and encourages self-reflection.

Use role-play to model healthy coping strategies

Guide students in acting out scenarios where they practice positive responses to stress. This builds practical skills to resist unhealthy behaviors in real life.

Incorporate visual aids to reinforce learning

Provide diagrams, posters, or digital slides showing the cycle of addiction and points for intervention. Visuals help students better understand and remember key concepts.

Facilitate group brainstorming to break the addiction cycle

Encourage students to collaborate and suggest ways to interrupt the cycle at different stages. This fosters creativity and empowers students to find solutions.

Assign reflection journals for personal connection

Have students write about their feelings, experiences, or observations related to addiction and recovery. Personal reflection deepens understanding and promotes empathy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cycle of Addiction

What is the cycle of addiction and how does it work?

The cycle of addiction refers to the repeating pattern of behaviors and emotions that keep a person stuck in substance use. It usually includes stages such as trigger, craving, use, guilt or shame, and temporary relief, which often leads back to triggers. Understanding these steps helps identify when and how to intervene.

How can students illustrate the cycle of addiction in a storyboard?

Students can create a storyboard by dividing it into five cells, each representing a step in the addiction cycle. Each cell should have a title (the stage) and a description of what typically happens at that point, as well as a visual scene. Highlighting the best place to break the cycle in one of the cells enhances understanding.

At which stage is it best to break the addiction cycle?

The ideal stage to break the addiction cycle can vary, but it is often most effective before or during the 'caving to use' stage, when cravings are strong but action hasn't yet been taken. Intervening early maximizes chances for change, but support at any stage is valuable.

What are the five steps in the addiction cycle for high school students to learn?

The five typical steps in the addiction cycle are: 1. Trigger (stress or event), 2. Craving, 3. Use, 4. Guilt/Shame, and 5. Temporary Relief. Teaching these helps students identify patterns and recognize opportunities for intervention.

Why do some people struggle to break the cycle of addiction?

Many people struggle to break the addiction cycle because substances can provide instant relief from stress or emotional pain, making it hard to resist cravings. Feelings of guilt or shame after use can also reinforce the cycle, making change even more challenging without support and understanding.