What The Declaration of Independence,
the United States Constitution and
Treatment for Substance Abuse
Have in Common
by Heather Harlan, Prevention Specialist
Phoenix Programs, Inc.
Why do we celebrate the
Fourth of July?
Ambivalence—feelings two feelings
at once.
Many colonists wanted to remain as part of
Great Britain, they embraced being rule by
a King, and enjoyed the comforts of being
“citizens of the crown.”
Many other colonists wanted the shed this
ancient way of government and allow
common people to rule themselves.
What does the Declaration of
Independence say?
The Declaration of Independence
In Congress, July 4 1776
“The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States
of America
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes
necessary for one people to dissolve the political
bands which have connected them with another,
and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and
equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God
entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires
that they should declare the causes which impel them to
the separation.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
“The history of the present King of Great
Britain is a history of repeated injuries and
usurpations, all having in direct object the
establishment of an absolute Tyranny over
these States. To prove this, let Facts be
submitted to a candid world:”
The Founders then list why King
George III should no longer rule
over them.
Examples:
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing
Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
[He took over our land—kept troops here—
even when we didn’t give approval.]
Examples:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
[He isolated us.]
Examples:
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts,
burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our
people.
[He robbed us, harmed us, and spoiled our lives.]
The Declaration of Independence Lists
about two dozen complaints against King
George III.
The documents ends. . .
“That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to
be FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are
Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and
that all political connection between them and the State
of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved . . .
“And for the support of this Declaration,
with a firm reliance on the protection of
divine Providence, we mutually pledge to
each other
our Lives,
our Fortunes and
our sacred Honor.”
[The Founders knew there
would be a price for freedom. ]
What might the Declaration of
Independence
have in common with
your early days of recovery?
Founders’ Focused on Escaping
Tyranny of King George II
Part of us continues to WANT to stay
connected to the alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Part of us longs to be free.
Early days in treatment—about resolving ambivalence
We, too
Must declare our independence.
Listing out and understanding
ways alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs like a cruel King have
•occupied our thoughts/actions leaving no room
for our dreams and hopes.
•isolated us from family, friends; cut us off from our
community.
• robbed us of money we earned.
•Stolen relationships, and employment,
•Spoiled our health.
After the Revolutionary War . . .
We won the war, the
King isn’t ruling us.
Now what do we do?
American War of Independence—
waged from
1775 (fighting began a year before the Colonies severed ties with
Great Britian through the Declaration of Independence.
To
1783
After the War—NOW WHAT?
Not enough to tear down one
government and declare their
independence.
the new Americans must now
build another government
—
By March 1789, the US
Constitution went in to effect—
the people had created a new
form of government. The US
Constitution is still the framework
of our democracy.
We The People of the United States, in Order to
form a more perfect Union,
•establish Justice,
•insure domestic Tranquility,
•provide for the common defense,
•promote the general Welfare, and
•secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our
Posterity, do ordain and establish this
CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.
[They listed out their goals.]
What might the
Constitution
have in common with
your early days of
recovery?
Not enough just to declare our freedom
from alcohol and drugs and wage a
revolution.
We need also to envision what we now
have freedom FOR.
.
List out some things you hope recovery
will give you
List out some things you hope recovery
will give you
Many Program participants included these in their lists these ideas:
Freedom for family.”
•“Freedom for going back to school.”
•“Freedom for peace of mind.”
•“Freedom for improving my health—
physical and mental.”
•“Freedom for buying a home.”
•“Freedom for saving money.”
•“Freedom for being successful in life.”
•“
What do you hope recovery will mean for
you, your family or a loved one?
What The Declaration of Independence,
the United States Constitution and
Treatment for Substance Abuse
Have in Common
by Heather Harlan, Prevention Specialist
Phoenix Programs, Inc.