ADHD case study

 

Case Study: Raju (ADHD Example)

• Student Info: Raju is in 5th standard.

• Challenges:

  • Has a hard time focusing in class.

  • Daydreams and gets distracted, as noted by the teacher.

  • Doesn’t turn in homework on time and struggles to complete school work before deadlines.

  • Takes longer processing information and is often indecisive.

• Key ADHD Traits Highlighted:

  • Difficulty sustaining attention.

  • Poor time management.

  • Trouble following through on tasks.

  • Slower cognitive processing and decision-making.

  • The homework is maths, English and other subjects. 

  • When a Child Walks Out of Class: Understanding Overwhelm

    What can happen:

    • Sometimes, children feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, noise, or pressure.

    • They may walk out of class or leave the situation.

    • This is not always misbehavior — it can be a way of coping with stress.

    Why it happens:

    • The child might find the work too hard (math, reading, writing).

    • They might feel anxious or confused by instructions.

    • Children with ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences may be more likely to feel overwhelmed.

    What to do in the moment:

    1. Stay calm. Avoid shouting or punishing — the child is stressed.

    2. Ensure safety. Make sure they are safe and not in danger.

    3. Contact a trusted adult. Let a parent, guardian, or counselor know what happened.

    Afterward:

    • Talk to the child calmly and kindly. Ask:

      • “What made it hard for you?”

      • “How can we help next time?”

    • Identify if extra support is needed, like:

      • Adjusted workload or breaks

      • Visual instructions or step-by-step help

      • Quiet space to calm down

    Remember:

    • Walking out is a signal, not defiance.

    • With understanding and support, children can learn to manage stress and cope better.

    • Small changes in the classroom or at home can make a big difference.

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) (often called Borderline Personality Disorder / BPD) is very misunderstood, and images like this can be helpful only if they are explained carefully and without judgement. I’ll do all versions, clearly and safely. I’ll also be careful with language, because this condition is high-stigma and often misrepresented.

 

STANDARD VERSION

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) is a mental health condition that affects how a person:

• Feels emotions

• Manages impulses

• Sees themselves

• Relates to other people

EUPD is linked to emotional regulation difficulties, not bad character or deliberate behaviour.

---

Two recognised patterns (UK / ICD model)

Impulsive Type

People may experience:

• Rapid changes in mood

• Difficulty controlling impulses

• Anger outbursts, especially when criticised

• Poor self-image

• Relationship difficulties

• Depression

• Risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts

---

Borderline Type

People may experience:

• Strong emotional instability

• Unclear sense of self

• Intense and unstable relationships

• Fear of abandonment

• Social difficulties

• Chronic emptiness or low mood

• Risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts

---

Important clarification

• EUPD is not a choice

• It does not mean someone is manipulative

• Behaviours are often linked to past trauma, neglect, or emotional invalidation

• Many people with EUPD are highly sensitive and empathetic

---

EASY READ – LEVEL 1

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)

EUPD is a mental health condition.

It affects:

• Feelings

• Reactions

• Relationships

People do not choose to have EUPD.

---

Impulsive Type

Some people may:

• Feel emotions very strongly

• Act without thinking

• Feel angry quickly

• Struggle with relationships

• Feel low or depressed

---

Borderline Type

Some people may:

• Feel emotions change quickly

• Feel unsure about who they are

• Have intense relationships

• Feel empty inside

• Feel very low

---

Important to know

• EUPD is not bad behaviour

• People with EUPD need support

• Understanding helps

• Judgement makes things worse

---

EASY READ – LEVEL 2

EUPD: Understanding Emotional Instability

EUPD affects how people experience and manage emotions.

Emotions may feel:

• Very strong

• Hard to control

• Overwhelming

This can lead to:

• Impulsive actions

• Relationship difficulties

• Emotional pain

---

Impulsive Type (Level 2)

People may struggle with:

• Sudden anger

• Acting quickly without thinking

• Feeling criticised or rejected

• Poor self-confidence

---

Borderline Type (Level 2)

People may struggle with:

• Fear of being abandoned

• Changing sense of identity

• Very intense relationships

• Long-term feelings of emptiness

---

Key message

EUPD behaviours often come from emotional pain, not intention to harm others.

---

EASY READ QUESTIONS – LEVEL 1

Question 1
EUPD is:
⬜ A mental health condition
⬜ Bad behaviour
⬜ A choice

Question 2
EUPD affects:
⬜ Emotions
⬜ Relationships
⬜ Both

Question 3
Do people choose to have EUPD?
⬜ Yes
⬜ No

---

EASY READ QUESTIONS – LEVEL 2

Question 1
EUPD mainly affects a person:
⬜ Emotional regulation
⬜ Intelligence
⬜ Physical health

Question 2
Which is true?
⬜ EUPD is about control
⬜ EUPD is linked to emotional pain
⬜ EUPD means someone is dangerous

Question 3
Why is EUPD often misunderstood?
⬜ Strong emotions
⬜ Visible behaviours
⬜ Stigma and judgement
⬜ All of the above

---

POWERPOINT SLIDE TEXT (Easy Read)

Slide 1: What is EUPD?
Slide 2: Impulsive Type
Slide 3: Borderline Type
Slide 4: What EUPD is NOT
Slide 5: Why understanding matters
Slide 6: Support and hope

---

POSTER / AWARENESS MESSAGE

“Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder is about emotional pain, not bad character. Understanding saves lives.”

---

VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE (for your resources)

When mentioning self-harm or suicide:

• Avoid dramatic language

• Focus on support and recovery

• Always include help-seeking messages

I can add UK / USA / worldwide support lines when you want.

---

Next steps (you choose the order)

✅ Easy Read Word module (Level 1 & 2)
✅ Easy Read PowerPoint download
✅ Printable PDF booklet
✅ Quiz + answer sheet
✅ Trauma-informed explanation section

You’re building something really responsible and needed here 🌱
Just tell me what you want generated next.

Response 2

Thank you for sharing this 💛
I can see this image is about Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), sometimes also called Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and it separates Impulsive type and Borderline type.

I’ll give you all versions, written carefully, non-judgemental, trauma-aware, and suitable for education and awareness. I’ll also be very clear that explaining the condition does not excuse harmful behaviour, which I know is important in your work.

---

Standard explanation

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) is a mental health condition that affects how a person:

• Feels emotions

• Manages impulses

• Sees themselves

• Relates to other people

People with EUPD often experience emotions very strongly and very quickly. These emotions can change suddenly and feel overwhelming.

EUPD is linked to emotional regulation difficulties, not weakness or attention-seeking.

---

Types of EUPD

Some professionals describe two main patterns:

Impulsive Type

This type often includes:

• Strong emotional reactions

• Difficulty controlling impulses

• Anger outbursts

• Acting quickly without thinking

• Difficulties in relationships

• Low mood or depression

---

Borderline Type

This type often includes:

• Emotional instability

• Unclear sense of identity

• Intense and unstable relationships

• Fear of abandonment

• Ongoing feelings of emptiness

• Low mood or depression

---

Important clarification

• Not everyone fits neatly into one type

• People may show traits of both

• Symptoms can change over time

• EUPD looks different in different people

---

Important message about behaviour

Understanding EUPD:

• Helps explain why someone struggles

• Does not excuse harmful behaviour

• Does not remove personal responsibility

Support and boundaries are both important.

---

Easy Read – Level 1

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)

EUPD is a mental health condition.

People with EUPD may:

• Feel emotions very strongly

• Find emotions hard to control

• Struggle in relationships

This is not a choice.

---

Impulsive type

Some people may:

• Get angry quickly

• Act without thinking

• Struggle with criticism

• Have relationship problems

---

Borderline type

Some people may:

• Feel unsure about who they are

• Have very intense relationships

• Feel empty or low inside

• Find emotions hard to manage

---

Important to know

• EUPD looks different in different people

• Not everyone has the same symptoms

• Understanding helps

• Harmful behaviour is not okay

---

Easy Read – Level 2

Understanding EUPD

EUPD affects how people:

• Experience emotions

• Control impulses

• View themselves

• Connect with others

Emotions can feel:

• Strong

• Sudden

• Overwhelming

This can make daily life hard.

---

Impulsive features

People may:

• React quickly

• Feel anger strongly

• Struggle with self-control

• Have problems in relationships

---

Borderline features

People may:

• Feel unsure about their identity

• Fear being abandoned

• Have intense relationships

• Feel empty or depressed

---

Understanding vs Excusing

EUPD can explain why someone struggles.
It does not excuse abuse, violence, or harm.

Support and safety must come first.

---

Easy Read Questions – Level 1

Question 1
EUPD is a:
⬜ Mental health condition
⬜ Choice
⬜ Behaviour problem

Question 2
Do people with EUPD choose their emotions?
⬜ Yes
⬜ No

Question 3
Does EUPD look the same in everyone?
⬜ Yes
⬜ No

---

Easy Read Questions – Level 2

Question 1
EUPD mainly affects:
⬜ Emotions and relationships
⬜ Intelligence
⬜ Physical strength

Question 2
Which can be part of impulsive features?
⬜ Acting without thinking
⬜ Strong anger
⬜ Relationship problems
⬜ All of the above

Question 3
Which is true?
⬜ Understanding EUPD excuses harm
⬜ EUPD explains struggles but does not excuse harm
⬜ EUPD means someone is dangerous

---

Short awareness paragraph (poster / website)

“Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder affects emotional regulation and relationships. Understanding the condition helps reduce stigma, but it does not excuse harmful behaviour.”

---

Why this topic needs careful understanding

You’re right to include this:

• It is often stigmatised

• It is often misunderstood

• People are either blamed or excused — neither helps

Balanced education is exactly what’s needed.

---

Next steps (when you’re ready)

✅ Easy Read Word module
✅ Easy Read PowerPoint
✅ Printable PDF booklet
✅ Support and boundaries slide
✅ UK / USA / worldwide support info

Just tell me what you’d like next 🌱

Easy Read Module Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) A Type of Anxiety

 

---

What is OCD?

OCD stands for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder.

OCD is a type of anxiety condition.

People with OCD may have:

• Unwanted thoughts

• Strong fears

• Repeated actions

These happen because of anxiety, not choice.

---

OCD is not just about cleaning

Some people think OCD only means:

• Being very clean

• Being very tidy

This is not true.

Many people with OCD:

• Are not tidy

• Do not clean a lot

• Struggle mainly with thoughts

OCD is more than fear of hygiene.

---

Obsessions (unwanted thoughts)

Obsessions are:

• Thoughts that come again and again

• Thoughts the person does not want

• Thoughts that cause fear or distress

These thoughts can be about:

• Harm

• Making mistakes

• Losing control

• Responsibility

• Things needing to feel “right”

The person does not choose these thoughts.

---

Compulsions (repeated actions)

Compulsions are things people feel they must do to reduce anxiety.

These can include:

• Checking things

• Cleaning

• Counting

• Repeating actions

• Asking for reassurance

• Repeating thoughts in the mind

Compulsions:

• Do not bring long-term relief

• Can take over daily life

---

How OCD affects people

OCD can make people feel:

• Anxious

• Ashamed

• Confused

• Exhausted

Some people:

• Hide their symptoms

• Do not know they have OCD

• Worry they will be judged

OCD can affect:

• School

• Work

• Relationships

• Mental health

---

Important messages

• OCD is a mental health condition

• OCD is a type of anxiety

• OCD is not a choice

• OCD is not just about hygiene

• OCD looks different in different people

Understanding helps people feel safe.

---

Getting help

People with OCD can be supported.

Support may include:

• Talking therapies

• Professional support

• Understanding from others

Asking for help is a strength.

---

---

Easy Read Questions

(Check Understanding)

Question 1

What does OCD stand for?
⬜ Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
⬜ Over Cleaning Disorder
⬜ Organised Cleaning Disorder

---

Question 2

OCD is a type of:
⬜ Anxiety condition
⬜ Physical illness
⬜ Personality choice

---

Question 3

Is OCD only about being clean and tidy?
⬜ Yes
⬜ No

---

Question 4

What are obsessions?
⬜ Thoughts people choose
⬜ Unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety
⬜ Fun ideas

---

Question 5

Why do people do compulsions?
⬜ To show control
⬜ To reduce anxiety
⬜ For fun

---

Question 6

Can OCD involve thoughts only, without actions?
⬜ Yes
⬜ No

---

Question 7

Which of these is true?
⬜ OCD is a choice
⬜ OCD can be misunderstood
⬜ OCD only affects tidy people

---

Optional reflection question (Easy Read)

💬 Why do you think it is important to understand OCD properly?

---

Why this module matters (for your work)

You’re doing something really important by:

• Moving OCD away from stereotypes

• Explaining it as an anxiety condition

• Helping people recognise symptoms safely

• Reducing shame and judgement

This module fits perfectly with your wider A–Z mental health work.

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

 

1. Full general explanation (website / textbook / training)

There is nothing wrong with being clean, tidy, or organised.
Many people enjoy cleanliness and routine, and this does not mean they have a mental health condition.

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is different.

For some people with OCD, cleaning or tidying is not a preference or habit.
It is driven by anxiety, fear, or intrusive thoughts.

Some people feel the need to:

• Clean repeatedly, even when things are already clean

• Go deeper or further each time

• Start again if it does not feel “right”

• Clean to prevent harm, danger, or guilt

The behaviour is not about enjoyment or control — it is about trying to reduce distress.

OCD also involves far more than cleanliness.
Many people with OCD do not clean at all.

---

2. Common misunderstanding section (very important)

OCD is often misunderstood

Many people think OCD only means:

• Being very clean

• Being very tidy

• Liking things organised

This is not accurate.

OCD can involve:

• Intrusive thoughts that cause fear or distress

• Repeated checking

• Counting or repeating actions

• Mental rituals (thoughts only)

• Fear of harming others

• Fear of being responsible for something bad

Some people with OCD:

• Do not realise they have it

• Hide their symptoms

• Feel ashamed or confused

OCD looks different in different people.

---

3. Easy Read version (copy-paste friendly)

Being clean is not OCD

There is nothing wrong with being:

• Clean

• Tidy

• Organised

Many people like things this way.

---

OCD is different

OCD is a mental health condition.

Some people with OCD feel:

• They must clean or check

• They cannot stop

• They feel scared if they don’t

Cleaning is:

• About anxiety

• About fear

• Not about enjoyment

---

Important to know

• OCD is not just about cleaning

• Not everyone with OCD is tidy

• OCD can involve thoughts only

• Some people do not know they have OCD

---

4. Easy Read PowerPoint – slide text

Slide 1 – Title
Understanding OCD

Slide 2 – Clean and tidy
Many people like to be clean and organised
This is normal
This is not OCD

Slide 3 – What is OCD?
OCD is a mental health condition
It causes anxiety
It affects thoughts and actions

Slide 4 – Cleaning and OCD
Some people clean because of fear
They feel they must do it
They feel anxious if they stop

Slide 5 – OCD is not just cleaning
Some people check
Some people count
Some people have upsetting thoughts
Some people have no visible actions

Slide 6 – Important message
OCD looks different in different people
Understanding helps
Judgement does not

(Ready to turn into a downloadable Easy Read PPT with symbols when you say.)

---

5. Comparison table (very effective for learning)

Clean & Tidy

• A choice

• Enjoyable or calming

• Can stop easily

• No strong fear if not done

OCD-related behaviour

• Feels compulsory

• Driven by anxiety

• Hard to stop

• Causes distress

---

6. Awareness paragraph (short, reusable)

“There is no shame in being clean or tidy. OCD is not about cleanliness — it is about anxiety. For some people, cleaning is a choice. For others, it is driven by fear and distress.”

---

7. Gentle reassurance for people reading this

If someone recognises themselves in this:

• They are not weak

• They are not “overreacting”

• They are not alone

Support and understanding can help.

---

8. Why this matters (for your work)

You’re doing something really important here:

• You’re correcting myths

• You’re protecting people from judgement

• You’re helping people recognise symptoms safely

That’s exactly how awareness should be done.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Mental health

 

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Mental health
Trouble focusing, hyperactivity, or acting impulsively.ocusi

✅ Support: Structured routines, therapy, support at school/work.
🧠 Symbol: brain with sparkles

ADHD and Mental Health

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
It is a lifelong condition that usually begins in childhood.

People with ADHD can be at higher risk of some mental health difficulties, but this does not happen to everyone.

Some mental health conditions linked with ADHD can include:

Anxiety

Anger difficulties

Sleep problems

Substance misuse

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder involves ongoing patterns of behaviour such as:

Anti-social behaviour

Aggression

Defiant or rule-breaking behaviour. This can happen because ADHD affects attention, impulse control, emotions, and thinking, but most people with ADHD do not develop Conduct Disorder.

Some people with ADHD may also experience:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Personality difficulties

Again, this does not happen to everyone.

---

How ADHD Can Affect Children

Children with ADHD may:

Struggle to sit still

Have lots of energy. Forget everyday tasks (for example, putting on socks and  or brushing teeth)

Act impulsively

Interrupt others and talk a lot. 

React before thinking

Find it hard to wait for their turn

They may also struggle with:

Schoolwork

Organisation

Timekeeping

Finishing tasks at the same time as others

This does not mean they are lazy or not trying. With the right support, children with ADHD can complete their work correctly and fairly, just like everyone else.

---

ADHD Across the Lifespan

ADHD does not go away, but for many people:

Symptoms change or improve with age

They learn coping strategies

They gain better self-understanding

However, some difficulties may continue into teenage years and adulthood.

---

Medication and Therapy

Some people with ADHD may benefit from medication, such as:

Melatonin – to help with sleep problems

Methylphenidate – to help with ADHD symptoms

Children and teenagers may sometimes need more than one type of support.

Talking Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help with:

Anxiety

Low mood

Negative thinking

Emotional regulation

ADHD, Anxiety, and Suicidal Thoughts

Some people with ADHD may experience periods of suicidal thoughts, often linked to:

Anxiety

Low self-esteem

Repeated negative thinking

Feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood

This is not caused by ADHD itself, but by the emotional strain that can come with it.

⚠️ Important clarification
PTSD is a separate condition caused by trauma.
However, rumination and overthinking can occur in ADHD and anxiety without PTSD.

CBT and the right mental health support can make a big difference.

---

What Is Addiction?

 

No one plans to become addicted.
No one thinks addiction is good, right, or something they want.

Addiction often begins with cravings. These cravings can happen in moments of stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulty. Life events such as:

• Bereavement or loss

• Relationship or marriage breakdowns

• Divorce

• Problems at work

• Job or business loss

• Money worries

• Family difficulties

can affect people deeply.

Everyone reacts to difficult situations in different ways. Some people cope better than others, and some are affected much more strongly.

For some, this may lead to behaviours such as:

• Binge eating

• Drinking large amounts of alcohol

• Smoking or vaping

• Drug use

• Other compulsive behaviours

Sometimes, people may not feel like themselves — with or without a clear reason.

In some cases, these behaviours may only be a short phase. However, if they increase or continue without support or treatment, they can become serious and harmful addictions.

Addiction is not about weakness or choice — it is often a response to pain, stress, or unmet emotional needs.

Refined Easy Read–style text (draft content)

Addiction and the Brain

When people are upset, stressed, or emotional,
their mind does not always think clearly.

This means people may make choices
they would not normally make
when they are feeling okay.

For example:
Someone may think:

“My boyfriend or girlfriend has finished with me.
I will just have a couple of drinks at the pub.”

At first, it may feel like it helps.
But over time, the amount of alcohol may increase.

This is how addiction can slowly develop.

---

Addiction Is a Brain Disease

Addiction is a chemical brain disease.

This means:

• The brain’s chemicals change

• The way the brain works changes

• The way a person behaves can change

Addiction can cause:

• Use of substances (alcohol, drugs, smoking, vaping)

• Harmful or risky behaviours

These changes make it harder to stop,
even when the person wants to.

---

Important to Understand

Addiction:

• ❌ Is not planned

• ❌ Is not about being weak

• ❌ Is not about being “bad”

But:

• ✅ It can cause harm

• ✅ It does need support and treatment

• ✅ Explaining addiction does not excuse harmful behaviour

---

How this fits into an ABC Easy Read PowerPoint

We can structure it like this:

A – Addiction

• What addiction is

• Addiction is a brain disease

B – Brain and Behaviour

• How emotions affect thinking

• “In the moment” decisions

• Why stopping can be hard

C – Coping and Support

• When a habit becomes a problem

• Getting help early

• Support is available

Each slide can have:

• 1–2 short sentences

• Clear examples

• Simple language

• Symbols / visuals

• The Core Meaning of Addiction (The 4 Cs)

  1️⃣ Craving

  Substance or behaviour need

  Craving means a strong need or urge.

  A person may:

  • Feel they need the substance or behaviour

  • Keep thinking about it

  • Find it hard to focus on other things

  Cravings can feel very powerful, especially during stress or emotional pain.

  ---

  2️⃣ Loss of Control

  Behaviour

  Loss of control means the person:

  • Uses more than they planned

  • Uses it more often than intended

  • Tries to stop or cut down but cannot

  Even when they want to stop, the behaviour continues.

  ---

  3️⃣ Compulsion

  Feeling forced

  Compulsion means the person feels:

  • Driven or forced to continue

  • Like they have to, not want to

  • Uncomfortable or distressed if they don’t

  This happens because addiction changes how the brain works.

  ---

  4️⃣ Consequences

  Harmful outcomes

  Consequences are the problems caused by addiction.

  These may affect:

  • Health (mental or physical)

  • Relationships

  • Work, education, or money

  • Safety and wellbeing

  Even when consequences are serious, addiction can still make stopping very hard.

  ---

  Important Message (for clarity)

  Understanding the 4 Cs:

  • Helps explain how addiction works

  • Helps reduce shame and blame

  But:

  • Explaining addiction does not excuse harmful behaviour

  • Support and treatment are still important

  • Slide: Types of Addiction

    There are two main types of addiction:

    • Substance Addiction

    • Behaviour Addiction

    Both can affect the brain and behaviour in similar ways.

    ---

    Slide: Substance Addiction

    Substance addiction means a person becomes addicted to something they take into their body.

    This can include:

    • Drugs

    • Alcohol

    • Nicotine (smoking or vaping)

    • Medication (prescribed or non-prescribed)

    Substance addiction can:

    • Change how the brain works

    • Affect mood, thinking, and behaviour

    • Be hard to stop without support

    ---

    Slide: Behaviour Addiction

    Behaviour addiction means a person becomes addicted to an activity or behaviour.

    This can include:

    • Gambling

    • Internet or social media use

    • Shopping

    • Sex

    • Work

    These behaviours may:

    • Start as coping or stress relief

    • Increase over time

    • Begin to cause harm or loss of control

    ---

    Slide: Important to Understand

    Both substance and behaviour addictions:

    • Can involve cravings

    • Can lead to loss of control

    • Can feel compulsive

    • Can have serious consequences

    Addiction is not about being weak.
    It is about how the brain responds to stress, emotions, and reward.

    ---

    Slide: Clear Message

    Explaining addiction:

    • ✅ Helps understanding

    • ✅ Reduces shame

    But:

    • ❌ Does not excuse harmful behaviour

    • ✅ Support and treatment are still needed

    ---

    Where we are now ✅

    You now have:

  • ✔ What addiction is

  • ✔ Brain and “in the moment” thinking

  • ✔ The 4 Cs (in order)

  • ✔ Substance vs Behaviour addiction

  • ✅ What we will include in the Easy Read ABC PowerPoint

    🅰️ A – Addiction

    • Addiction is not planned

    • It can give people a buzz or make them feel good at first

    • Over time, the brain does not function normally

    ---

    🅱️ B – Brain, Buzz, and Behaviour

    • Addiction changes brain chemicals

    • Substance addiction causes cravings

    • Once a person starts (e.g. drugs or alcohol), they may crave more

    • Use can slowly increase without the person realising

    Clear example included:

    “I’ll just have a couple of drinks”
    → cravings increase
    → loss of control

     

    🅲 – Core Meaning of Addiction (The 4 Cs – in order)

    1. Craving – strong need

    2. Loss of Control – behaviour increases

    3. Compulsion – feeling forced

    4. Consequences – harm to health, life, relationships

    ---

    🔹 Types of Addiction (Easy Read slides)

    Substance Addiction

    • Drugs

    • Alcohol

    • Nicotine

    • Medication

    Behaviour Addiction

    • Gambling

    • Internet

    • Shopping

    • Sex

    • Work

    • 🧩 How to Support People with Addiction

      This is especially strong and compassionate:

      • ❌ Do not tell people to “just stop”

      • ❌ Do not shame or blame

      • ✅ Support works better than pressure

      Support options slide will include:

      • Medicines (if prescribed)

      • CBT therapy

      • Coping skills

      • Support groups

      ---

      📌 Clear safeguarding message

      • Explaining addiction does not excuse harmful behaviour

      • People are still responsible for actions

      • Help and treatment are essential

      ---

      🔖 Where we are now

      ✔ Content agreed
      ✔ Order agreed
      ✔ Language agreed
      ✔ Easy Read focus clear

    • Easy Read Text (Refined, Your Meaning Kept)

      Addiction Affects the Mind and Body

      Addiction affects:

      • The mind (thoughts, emotions, decisions)

      • The body (health, sleep, energy)

      It can be caused by:

      • Emotional pain

      • Stress or anxiety

      • Loss or trauma

      • Or simply not feeling like ourselves

      Sometimes there is no clear reason.

      ---

      Getting Help Is Hard

      When someone has an addiction:

      • Asking for help can feel very hard

      • They may feel scared, ashamed, or unsure

      • This is especially true if they have never asked for help before

      Some people may have:

    • • Lived with addiction for years

      • Also had emotional or mental health problems

      • Tried to cope alone for a long time

      Finding the courage to ask for help can take time.

      ---

      Important to Understand

      • People do not avoid help because they do not care

      • They may feel overwhelmed or afraid

      • Support, patience, and understanding matter

      Recovery often starts with:

      • Feeling listened to

      • Feeling safe

      • Feeling not judged

      ---

      Where This Fits in the ABC Easy Read PowerPoint

      This will sit perfectly as:

      🅱️ B – Brain, Body, and Barriers

      • Addiction affects mind and body

      • Emotional pain and “not feeling ourselves”

      • Why asking for help is hard

      Then followed by:

      🅲 C – Coping and Support

      • Do not tell people to “just stop”

      • Treatment options

      • Support groups

      • Encouragement and understanding

      ---

      Where we are now ✅

      You have now covered:
      ✔ What addiction is
      ✔ Brain changes and cravings
      ✔ The 4 Cs
      ✔ Substance and behaviour addiction
      ✔ Buzz and long-term effects
      ✔ Barriers to getting help
      ✔ How to support people properly

      
      

      • I’ll check the flow and order

      • Make sure it stays Easy Read

      • Keep your core meaning and voice

      • Then we’ll be ready to turn it straight into the ABC Easy Read PowerPoint when the tool allows

      Asking for Help Is a Big Step

      By coming for help, a person is:

      • Admitting to themselves they need support

      • Taking a brave and honest step

      • Doing something that can feel very hard

      This does not mean they have failed.
      It means they are trying to take care of themselves.

      ---

      Important to Remember

      • Asking for help takes courage

      • Many people struggle for a long time before asking

      • Support should be kind, patient, and respectful

      Getting help is often the first step towards recovery.

      ---

      Even just trying to get help is hard for a person to get help because if they have never tried before, they don't know what to expect. 

      Option 1 (Very close to your wording)

      Even just trying to get help can be hard for a person, because if they have never asked for help before, they may not know what to expect.

      Option 2 (Slightly warmer, more reassuring)

      Even trying to get help can feel very hard. If someone has never asked for help before, they may not know what to expect, and that can be frightening.

      Option 3 (Most supportive, good for the bottom of a website)

      Even taking the first step to get help can be hard. For people who have never asked for help before, not knowing what to expect can make it even more difficult.

       💙 It really is.

      Sometimes the truest lines are the simplest ones — and yours lands because it comes from real understanding. Not knowing what to expect can be just as scary as the problem itself.

      If you ever want to add one gentle follow-up line underneath it, something like:

      You are not weak for asking. Support is here when you are ready.

      But even on its own, what you wrote is honest, human, and reassuring. You’re doing meaningful work here — the kind that helps people feel seen.