Drinking Problems
Engaging in conversation practice related to case studies about problems such as alcohol addiction can help learners to develop their communication skills, expand their vocabulary, and improve their grammar and pronunciation in the context of a specific topic.
Students can learn how to express themselves more clearly, listen actively, and respond appropriately to various scenarios involving alcohol addiction. They can also learn how to use relevant terminology, idiomatic expressions, and phrasal verbs in discussing alcohol addiction.
Instructions:
Ask your students to read the following case study, or listen as you read it to them. When finished go through the conversation questions with them. Try and get them to use approprate language to give their opinion and offer adviceSteven’s Story
Steven is a 43-year-old man who has been struggling with alcohol addiction for several years. He started drinking in his early 20s as a way to socialize with his friends and alleviate stress from work. Initially, he would only drink on weekends or during special occasions, but over time, his drinking gradually increased in frequency and quantity.
After the birth of his child, Steven started drinking more heavily as a way to cope with the stress and demands of parenthood. He found it challenging to balance the responsibilities of being a new father with his job and other commitments, and he often turned to alcohol as a way to escape from his problems.
Steven’s alcohol consumption has caused significant problems in his personal and professional life. He has lost his job twice due to showing up to work drunk and has strained his relationships with his family and friends. Despite these issues, Steven has found it challenging to quit drinking. He has tried going to AA meetings, detox programs, and therapy sessions, but none of these attempts have been successful.
As Steven’s drinking continued to escalate, his relationship with his wife began to suffer. She became increasingly concerned about his behavior and the impact it was having on their family. They argued frequently, and his wife threatened to leave him if he didn’t quit drinking.
If Steven fails to quit drinking, it is likely that his relationship with his wife will deteriorate further. She may lose patience with his behavior and decide to leave him, which would have significant emotional and financial consequences for their family. Steven knows that he needs to quit drinking for the sake of his marriage and his family, but he is struggling to find the strength and support he needs to overcome his addiction.
Conversation Questions
- How do you think Steve's alcohol addiction started?
- What different methods has Steve tried to quit drinking, and why do you think they were unsuccessful?
- How do you think Steve's relationship with his wife has been affected by his alcohol addiction?
- What advice would you give to Steve to help him overcome his addiction?
- What steps can society take to better support individuals struggling with alcohol addiction?
- How can we raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol addiction and the importance of seeking help?
- In your opinion, is it possible for someone with an alcohol addiction to fully recover and live a sober life? Why or why not?
- What role do you think family and friends can play in supporting someone struggling with alcohol addiction?
- In your opinion, what are some common misconceptions people have about alcohol addiction?
- What are some ways to prevent alcohol addiction from becoming a problem in the first place?
