No, it's not about fentanyl or helping people with addictions and it is cruel. We don't even need to look to the other side of the border -- our own premier is banning safe-injection sides. I read somewhere, can't recall where, but on the average one site like that saves almost 500 overdoses. But according to Doug Ford, these places are a failed experiment, and they are dangerous and upset nice neighbourhoods and the children. There is one still in my neighbourhood where my child -- and other children -- live and I would much rather the site stayed rather than have my child -- and other children -- start seeing ambulances and body bags up and down on Queen St. Which they will.
Absolutely. Safe consumption sites save lives. Thank you for bringing that up. I want to dedicate a newsletter to diving into this, and shed light on what harm reduction actully entails, as I think there is so much misunderstanding. Thank you, Jowita xx
Jen this is so well written and comprehensive. Your addictions program is lucky to have you as are the people who you will help get to the other side. Thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to the next one. In NS, the drug problem is handled by the limitation of life changing chronic pain management. When I moved here, suddenly doctors wouldn’t give me medication to help manage my migraines (in Ontario, I was easily prescribed oxy which I was careful to manage well). When I left the hospital after my 3-day labour and a tear up to my asshole, I was told to take Tylenol. Restriction isn’t the best course of action for people who need these medications. But rather education, awareness and support for those living with trauma and needing to soothe and medicate. I agree with safe injection sites and what Jowita has said. I don’t think people realize how close they are to dependency and how easily it can happen.
Damn you said it well, Jen. The Fentanyl and drug addiction situation is unrelenting and an emergency and we must address it separately of whatever wild machinations the current administration south of us is doing.
Thank you, and agreed. I know Jowita shared above ^ how our own government in Ontario is messing things up big time by closing safe consumption sites (and I definitely agree), but I also have hope that as a society, we are beginning to recognize what Gabor Mate, and other experts, have been saying forever: addiction is related to pain, trauma, and loneliness, I have hope that more and more people see how critical a role compassion plays. I appreciate you taking time to come here and share, Alison.
Completely agree - I also have hope. And - having recently been through addiction I have a visceral understanding of how even amongst us "inner work people" addiction pulls on our fear and stigma at a rapid rate. I was shocked at how quickly I was categorized as 'other'. Seeing it clearly is part of seeing the work there is to do and having hope. It's all part of it. Thanks for writing Jen.
Absolutely. It’s taken me years to really understand how compassion and connection is at the core of recovery. I’m sorry you were made to feel “othered” - it’s a terrible way to feel. Thank you for sharing so honestly about your experience, Alison. I so appreciate it (and I’m sure others will too). ❤️❤️❤️
No, it's not about fentanyl or helping people with addictions and it is cruel. We don't even need to look to the other side of the border -- our own premier is banning safe-injection sides. I read somewhere, can't recall where, but on the average one site like that saves almost 500 overdoses. But according to Doug Ford, these places are a failed experiment, and they are dangerous and upset nice neighbourhoods and the children. There is one still in my neighbourhood where my child -- and other children -- live and I would much rather the site stayed rather than have my child -- and other children -- start seeing ambulances and body bags up and down on Queen St. Which they will.
Absolutely. Safe consumption sites save lives. Thank you for bringing that up. I want to dedicate a newsletter to diving into this, and shed light on what harm reduction actully entails, as I think there is so much misunderstanding. Thank you, Jowita xx
Jen this is so well written and comprehensive. Your addictions program is lucky to have you as are the people who you will help get to the other side. Thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to the next one. In NS, the drug problem is handled by the limitation of life changing chronic pain management. When I moved here, suddenly doctors wouldn’t give me medication to help manage my migraines (in Ontario, I was easily prescribed oxy which I was careful to manage well). When I left the hospital after my 3-day labour and a tear up to my asshole, I was told to take Tylenol. Restriction isn’t the best course of action for people who need these medications. But rather education, awareness and support for those living with trauma and needing to soothe and medicate. I agree with safe injection sites and what Jowita has said. I don’t think people realize how close they are to dependency and how easily it can happen.
Damn you said it well, Jen. The Fentanyl and drug addiction situation is unrelenting and an emergency and we must address it separately of whatever wild machinations the current administration south of us is doing.
Thank you, and agreed. I know Jowita shared above ^ how our own government in Ontario is messing things up big time by closing safe consumption sites (and I definitely agree), but I also have hope that as a society, we are beginning to recognize what Gabor Mate, and other experts, have been saying forever: addiction is related to pain, trauma, and loneliness, I have hope that more and more people see how critical a role compassion plays. I appreciate you taking time to come here and share, Alison.
Completely agree - I also have hope. And - having recently been through addiction I have a visceral understanding of how even amongst us "inner work people" addiction pulls on our fear and stigma at a rapid rate. I was shocked at how quickly I was categorized as 'other'. Seeing it clearly is part of seeing the work there is to do and having hope. It's all part of it. Thanks for writing Jen.
Absolutely. It’s taken me years to really understand how compassion and connection is at the core of recovery. I’m sorry you were made to feel “othered” - it’s a terrible way to feel. Thank you for sharing so honestly about your experience, Alison. I so appreciate it (and I’m sure others will too). ❤️❤️❤️
I might quote this later - it's beautiful. Thanks for being here.