SUBSTANCE& ADDICTION CONVERSATIONS

Addiction and substance use has been used as an othering tool for centuries. It's about time we talked about it.

Addiction and substance use is entrenched in our society. As we see a rapid rise in overdoses and substance use disorders, we are being called to face the presence of these realities in our own communities. At TOF, we believe that the stigmatization, hysteria and othering associated with drug use and addiction is the most harmful; particularly to those who are marginalized and forgotten.

Through open, honest and brave conversations, this workshop encourages us to face reality from a realistic, practical and compassionate space. It calls us to be intentional about how we understand and interact with substances, and it humanizes the use of substances amongst those we have made outcasts.

WHY TALK ABOUT SUBSTANCE & ADDICTION?

Right now, our country is seeing a rapid rise in substance use. There is an increase in addiction and a nationwide epidemic of drug overdose. Alongside this, there are more people turning to psychedelics as tools for mystical and therapeutic experience. The United States is slowly releasing itself from the grips of the War on Drugs, leaving in its wake a plethora of misinformation, biases and unhealthy narratives. Now, more than ever, we must come back into a healthy relationship with the substances present in our culture today. And, we must have open, honest and grounded conversations on the reality of addiction in our society-- without stigmatization and dramatization.

THE WORKSHOP

This course will be a deep dive into a few of the many substances we see existing in the world today—from coffee and cannabis, to heroin and meth, and to hallucinogens like Ayahuasca, LSD and MDMA. We will cover the historical, the spiritual and the emotional history of addiction, and how our misperceptions act as barriers in our society and communities. We will dive deep into our personal narratives around substance use, examine what our culture has told us about drugs & addiction, and think about the myths and facts of substance use. Ultimately, the big questions we will ask are, how do we come in right relationship with substances and the reality of addiction? What does it mean to change the narrative around these subjects, and how do we do that?

Size: 6-15 adults, ages 21+
10 Week Full Course (Can abridge to six) 1.5 hours per class

Our trainings are open and welcome to all who would like to participate. Work with TOF to help bring radical, lasting positive transformation to your community.