Background– The purpose of this activity is to help the group get to know each other and build group cohesion which helps build comfort and trust. A group that feels comfortable and trusting has a greater potential to advance together in the therapy process. Substance use and mental health topics will also be discussed
Directions – For this group everyone will be discussing “fun facts” – Just to make sure everyone is on the same page, consider these two following qualities of “fun facts”
1) A fun fact is a fact. This means it should be something real and truthful as opposed to just a made-up story or a random thought or personal opinion
2) A fun fact should be fun – For this exercise, things that people share as fun facts can be happy and fun or they can be dark and not so fun. If you are going to share something darker, please make sure it is something you are comfortable with today and it is something you have accepted and can share without getting emotional. Consider some examples below
A fun, fun fact – “Fun fact: I consider myself a Disney fanatic as I watch all the old Disney movies repeatedly and I go to the theater on opening day for every new Disney movie”
A “darker” fun fact – “I have a glass eye from an accident I had when I was a teenager”
ØIf the person sharing this feels anger, sadness or other unresolved emotions, it is NOT a fun fact and should not be shared in this group (perhaps in a future session or later today but not now).
Ø If the person sharing
this feels comfortable and can discuss this without getting upset, it can be a
“fun fact” (even if it does not sound all that “fun” when it happened)
Now
just take turns going around the group sharing fun facts. The counselor//group
leader should generate follow up discussion as appropriate (For example “Can
anyone else in the group relate to that?”)
Part
2 – Fun Facts about Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health – Review and discuss as a
group:
Studies repeatedly show that addiction is
treatable and can be successfully managed. (Good news, right?)
Although drug/alcohol addiction is very
serious in the world, tobacco is #1 as annually it kills more than AIDS,
alcohol, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined.
Research shows that men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illegal drugs
People may at times tend to value memories
more than actual people, so sometimes you may really just miss the memories,
not the actual person. (Keep in mind, this says “may” and is not always true
in every case)
Many factors can influence the development of
addiction. Environment, mental health, genetics, substance use and past
experiences such as trauma can all be causes of addiction. (It does not seem to
be just one thing alone, rather it is a combination of factors)
Legendary composer Johann Sebastian Bach created an opera specifically about an addiction to coffee
At one point in Vietnam, marriage applicants were
required to obtain a Certificate of Good Mental Health from a doctor, proving
that they are "mentally sound for marriage", before being allowed to
marry
Some researchers who study brain scans have
found that a brain in the initial stage of love looks surprisingly like a brain
experiencing a drug addiction.
Some degree of stress can be a useful
motivator for increased performance and productivity; therefore, stress isn’t
always all bad
Maladaptive daydreaming is a psychiatric
condition characterized by intense daydreaming that distracts a person from
their real life and therefore can negatively impact relationships and
functioning
Research shows that cuddling strengthens the
frontal lobe of the human brain, the region of the brain responsible for how
you react to emotional stress. (The “snuggle buzz” is real!)
Dopamine, the pleasure hormone, can cause
some people to become addicted to seeking information. This is why some individuals
find themselves struggling to stop endless scrolling on the internet or social
media.
The smell of chocolate has been found to slow
down brain waves, making us feel calm.
Convicted serial killer Ted Bundy worked at a
mental crisis/suicide hotline and probably helped several people work through
what they were dealing with and may have even saved lives.
Crying has a physiological effect on the
body, releasing neurochemical substances that can improve mood.
The cells in your body react to what your
mind says, so negativity can bring down your immune system
Studies show that massages, hugs, and hand
holding reduce stress and boost the immune system
People who oversleep tend to crave even more
sleep.
Evidence shows that listening to music can
improve memory, strengthen immune system, and reduce depression risk
Reading aloud (and talking to yourself about
the material) helps you learn more. Talking it out helps!
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