Hoops and Hopes: Creating Healthy Outlets 

The article, “Drug Addiction, Symptoms & Causes” by the Mayo Clinic made me realize how substance abuse can affect a person's body, mind and life. I used to think addiction was just about bad choices, but I understand that it's a real disease that can change how the brain works. It also helped me see how hard it is for people to stop using drugs when they become dependent. I also connect with this because I've seen how substance abuse can affect families and friendships. This article showed me that recovery takes patience, care, and support from others. 

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Drug Addiction (Substance Use Disorder) — Symptoms & Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025

After reading this article, “Health Topics: Alcohol Use Disorder” it helped me understand that alcohol use disorder is more serious than people think. I think many people treat drinking like it's no big deal, but the article showed how quickly it can become an addiction. I connect to this because alcohol is so common and made me realize how easily people can fall into bad habits. I also learned that people with alcohol problems often need help and not judgement. This article also made me think about making smarter choices in my life. This really opened my eyes to how important it is to take care of our mental health. 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Health Topics: Alcohol Use Disorder.” NIAAA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2025 

Also after reading the article, ¨Opioid Overdose Crisis¨ it made me think about how serious the opioid crisis is and how many lives it has affected. I learned that addiction can start with something as simple as a doctor's prescription for pain. I connect with this because it made me realize how easily anyone could get caught in this cycle. It also helped me understand how important education and awareness are in preventing overdose. I felt sad for the families who have lost loved ones, and also hopeful because treatment and medicine like naloxone can save lives. This article also inspired me to take care more about helping me to take care more about helping people who struggle with addiction and finding ways to make a difference.

The Pew Charitable Trusts. “Americans Face More Than an Opioid Overdose Crisis.”

Pew, 2024

After reading this article, it makes me reflect on the challenges many communities around the world face. It explains how addiction is connected to history, poverty, and stress, not just personal choic. I understand and see how important our families, elders, and traditions are in keeping people strong. This article gives me hope because it shows that culture can protect and heal us. It also reminds me that persevering our tradition is also a way of protecting our health and future generations. 

"Substance and behavioral Addictions among American Indian and Alaska Native Populations" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. vol 19, no. 6, 2022

I think this article shows that substance abuse is connected to history and social inequality. It explains that colonization still affects Māori communities today. This helps me understand that addiction is not only about personal decisions. It is also about trauma, poverty, and loss of culture. I connect this to other readings about historical trauma in Indigenous communities. I believe that programs that respect culture and identity will be more effective. Community strength and leadership seem very important for real change.

"Cannabis and methamphetamine in New Zealand: A kaupapa Maori Literature Review. " The New Zealand Medical Journal, vol 136, no. 1584, 2023

I think this article shows how poverty and social inequality make substance abuse worse. It explains that even when treatment exists, not everyone can access it. This reminds me that addiction is connected to larger social problems like homelessness and unemployment. I connect this to other readings about how communities need support systems, not just punishment. Harm-reduction programs seem helpful because they focus on safety and health. I believe strong public health policies and community outreach can make a big difference for vulnerable populations.

"The Quest to Extend Health Services to Vulnerable Substance Users in Brazil." International Journal of Health Policy and Management,  vol 7, no. 1, 2018

On November 14th, I presented my SHP to my weight training class to bring awareness to athletes about substance abuse. I chose this class because there are mainly students that are athletes and participate in sports here at the school. I planned this by contacting my weight training teacher, asking for permission and also talked to my mentor to manage a plan for bringing awareness about substance abuse in sports. It was a big success and everyone left with a smile. 

On April 16th, I sat down with some friends that are student athletes here at the school. I interviewed them personally about questions related to my topic. The reason and purpose of this is because I wanted to know their personal experiences with drugs and alcohol. I also wanted to give them an idea of how to bring awareness and make a positive change to break the cycle of addiction.