On Tuesday 7th December, Lester Morse, Director of East Coast Recovery in Lowestoft spoke to students at East Norfolk Sixth Form about addiction and the brain.

Mr Morse and students engaged in conversations surrounding the issues of addiction. Including the recent news of government funding increasing in this area. As well as the plans for prisoners suffering from addiction to be treated with abstinence rather than Methadone.

He pointed out certain misconceptions of addiction and crime. Clarifying that they don’t always go hand-in-hand.

Mr Morse explained the brain and how it functions. He explained that each individual is responsible for how they feel and how they react to situations. Highlighting that the way you react to something can change the outcome. For people suffering with addiction, it would be choosing a different path to the one they usually would.

Mr Morse said: “If you can change your mind, you can change your life.”

He continued: “responsibility is most important”

Several of the students are planning to go to university to work within the mental health sector. They were fascinated about learning the psychology behind addiction and how the brain works.

With increasing concern around mental health, especially in young adults, the information was something that the students felt they could relate to in some way. Providing an insight into the functions of the mind and how to cope with feelings such as anxiety and depression.

Both Mr Morse and the teacher of the class at East Norfolk Sixth Form, agreed the importance of educating young people about addiction, the brain and methods in which to deal with more general feelings within themselves.

East Coast Recovery is an award-winning treatment centre that has supported thousands of people to free themselves from addiction. Our expert approach to recovery promotes personal empowerment and perseverance in a welcoming, nourishing, progressive atmosphere.