Active learning ideas
Understanding addiction requires a move away from moral judgments toward a biological and social understanding of the brain. This topic covers SPHE Learning Outcomes 2.6 and 2.7, exploring how addiction develops and the risks associated with substance misuse. For second-year students, the focus is on the 'developing brain' and why it is more vulnerable to the effects of substances like nicotine, alcohol, and drugs.
Activity 01
Use a ball-toss game to represent dopamine release. Students see how 'natural rewards' (food, friends) give a steady flow, while 'substance rewards' flood the system, eventually making it harder for the brain to feel pleasure from normal activities.
What is addiction and how does it develop?
Activity 02
Groups are given a scenario of a person struggling with addiction. They must draw a 'ripple map' showing how this affects their health, their job, their parents, their siblings, and their wider community.
What are the risks of substance misuse?
Activity 03
Students brainstorm the different reasons someone might first try a substance (curiosity, stress, peer pressure). They share with a partner to discuss healthier ways to meet those same needs (e.g., joining a club for curiosity).
How does addiction affect families and communities?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Addiction is a choice or a sign of a 'weak' character.
This is a common stigma. Active modeling of the brain's chemistry helps students understand that addiction is a chronic health condition that changes how the brain functions, making it much harder to 'just stop' without help.
You can only get addicted to 'hard' drugs.
Students often overlook nicotine, vaping, and even gaming. Using a 'Dependency Sorting' activity helps them see that any behavior or substance that hijacks the brain's reward system can lead to addiction.
Methods used in this brief
Alcohol and Vaping Awareness
This topic provides factual information on the effects of alcohol and vaping on the developing teenage brain and body. Students analyze the marketing tactics used by these industries.
8 methodologies
Peer Pressure and Decision Making
Students practice decision-making skills to resist negative peer pressure regarding substance use. They role-play scenarios to build confidence in making safe choices.
8 methodologies