Becoming Allies to Ourselves

Check in

What does it mean to take out our anger on ourselves?

Self-Destructive Behavior

Intense feelings-especially when caused by violence, pain, being alone or being forced to stay in the Good Girl Box can be overwhelming and can lead to feel hopeless.

Sometimes this leads to self-destructive behaviors such as anorexia and bulimia

What are some other ways girls can be self destructive?

Nicotine Alcohol & Other substance abuse Unsafe sexual activity Dangerous physical activity (driving

recklessly, endangering one’s life) Suicide

Using Drugs to Numb Feelings

How have you felt in the past when adults have talked with you about drugs?

What are some of the drugs you know of that people use to numb their feelings or to help them get through the day?

In Pairs Discuss…

What do girls gain and what do they lose when they use alcohol and other drugs to numb their pain?

The Effects of Drug Addiction and Abuse

What does it mean to be addicted to a drug? Do you know anyone in your family or community

who is addicted to a drug? Which drug? How has it affected her or him?

How might being stoned make a young woman more vulnerable to violence?

What drugs are being used in your community? Where do they come from? Who makes money from their sale and use? What effects does drug abuse have on the community you live in?

The Cost of Drug Addiction and Abuse

Individual Cost? Community Cost?

Questions…

Do you know people who use alcohol or other drugs to celebrate?

Have you ever used drugs to celebrate? Are there other ways in which you have

seen drugs used? (in religious ceremonies, for healing)

What is the difference between use and abuse of drugs in these circumstances?

Taking Care of Ourselves

The opposite of numbing pain, being self-destructive, or abusing drugs is taking care of ourselves.

Because the world can sometimes be a harsh place, we need to be kind and gentle to ourselves.

Check-Out

Name one way in which you could take care of yourself a little better than you have been.