RTU Book Club

Why is alcohol the only drug on earth we have to justify not taking? Hosted in collaboration with The Collaborative and RTU, the Manchester Community Library will be holding a series of six book club sessions throughout this fall to explore the factors influencing our relationship with alcohol.

This will be an informal and judgment-free space to discuss and ask critical questions about the information presented in This Naked Mind by Annie Grace.  This Naked Mind clearly presents the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science, and reveals the cultural, social, and industry factors that support alcohol dependence in all of us. Packed with surprising insight into the reasons we drink, this book will open your eyes to the startling role of alcohol in our culture, and how the stigma of alcoholism and recovery can present barriers to reducing alcohol use.

Audience

This book club is intended to provide a forum for caring adults leading youth through the RTU participation, and is also open to the community at large.  The book will provide caring adults with the facts and explain the science so that they can in turn help youth understand what really happens to the brain and body when people drink. The content is also appropriate for high-school aged youth should they wish to accompany their caring adult.

Expectations

Each session will focus on certain parts within the book to explore a given topic.  Podcasts and short video clips for each topic will also be suggested to enrich the discussion.   Participants may join for all sessions or for those sessions that interest them.  Books may be loaned through the library or made available through The Collaborative/RTU by emailing rtu@thecollaborative.us.    Discussions will be held roughly every other Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Manchester Community Library. Leah Parks will be the presenter.

October 17 – Biology, Health, and the Unconscious Mind (Chapters 5-8)

October 24 – Marketing and the Misrepresentation of Alcohol and Addiction (Chapters 9-10)

November 7 – Unraveling the Mysteries of Sobriety (Chapters 11-14)

November 28 – Defining Addiction (Chapters 15-19)

December 5 – Navigating Social Situations and Making Healthy Decisions (Chapters 20-24)

The Collaborative’s mission is to empower healthy youth, families, and communities.  The Collaborative believes that at heart, all parents seek to promote the best interests of their children and that when youth and adults are provided enough information and cultural support, they will make healthy decisions to avoid the onset of substance abuse. Resilience Through Understanding (RTU) is an educational program for middle- and high-school aged youth that teaches the health risks of substance use and offers access to fun, healthy activities.  Through RTU, The Collaborative gives participating youth and schools real-world incentives to remain substance free through season passes to Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain Bike Park, Riley Rink Ice Skating, Viking Nordic Center, Magic Mountain, Dorset Theatre Festival, Riley Rink Disc Golf, and Vermont State Parks.