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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Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of how to break the addiction cycle by creating a storyboard.
Start a safe, judgement-free conversation to help students identify common triggers of addiction. This makes the topic relatable and encourages self-reflection.
Guide students in acting out scenarios where they practice positive responses to stress. This builds practical skills to resist unhealthy behaviors in real life.
Provide diagrams, posters, or digital slides showing the cycle of addiction and points for intervention. Visuals help students better understand and remember key concepts.
Encourage students to collaborate and suggest ways to interrupt the cycle at different stages. This fosters creativity and empowers students to find solutions.
Have students write about their feelings, experiences, or observations related to addiction and recovery. Personal reflection deepens understanding and promotes empathy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.