What possesses an individual to continue to ingest substances that clearly are ravaging the body and mind?
Now, meaningfully applying all of this week’s learning materials to what we have read so far of Beautiful Boy (through p. 204):
- Let’s look at the response to substance abuse through the perspectives of Nic and his family. Why does abusing seem so good to Nic and so abhorrent to his family? Reflecting back on Shakespeare’s quote, in what ways does the quote relate to these feelings/emotions? As we engage in discussion, consider the symptoms and patterns of abuse/use that Nic is exhibiting. Also, explore David’s response to his son’s abuse and the influence of this response on his actions as a parent.
- Now that we have explored some of the symptoms of abuse/dependence and looked at the responses to this abuse by Nic and various family members, let’s move on to the next question and talk about Nic’s readiness for change. Where do you see Nic on the continuum of readiness for change so far in the assigned reading?
Sample Solution