Lifestyle Education Seminar
Our Lifestyle Education Seminar looks at destructive behaviour patterns, lifestyle and ways of avoiding any pitfalls that the participant may face. We offer information on addiction, the effects of the drug of choice on mind and body and the ramifications of prolonged use. For most the simple knowledge they will acquire through listening to the seminar could prevent their use of substances from progressing to addictive levels. However, there are a minority of about 5-9% of the population, who for various reasons will be pre-disposed to such addiction issues.
By relating personal experience we give the opportunity for participants to identify certain behavioural traits and discuss their feelings and thoughts around the issue. It is not about passing judgement, rather an informative and honest look at the facts and risks.
Information on Addiction
We consider addiction to be both a physical and mental illness. On a physical level the addict experiences a sense of craving for the substance once it enters their system. The chemicals in the brain of a gambler give that same craving to act in that behaviour without a substance being introduced to the body. Once this process starts addicts find it almost impossible to stop. Mentally we often see addicts develop obsessive behaviours, denial and dishonesty in an attempt to regain some control. There is a determination to moderate and control use as the addiction takes over the person's life.
In our experience addiction is a dangerous and progressive condition which worsens over time. The consequences of use often get more serious as family and relationships suffer, jobs are lost and mental and physical health deteriorates. Sadly some addicts follow the path of prisons, mental institutions and premature death. It is clear that such grave consequences rarely occur at the beginning of the using and as such we hope that through education a potential addict may arrest the behaviour before 'stepping over the invisible line' into addictive and destructive behaviour.
The fact that the numbers of addicts are in the minority within our society does not, we believe, lessen the social responsibility to support them. The disease is often misunderstood, stigmatised and subsequently, badly handled. We are committed to delivering education and training to those who don't suffer from, but work with or manage those who are showing signs of problem use or addiction. 'What to do?' 'Who to contact?' 'How to care for?' are commonly asked questions. Supporting organisations in this area is an equally important side to our work.