Addiction is a serious problem in BC, and Sherry recently hosted a session in Farsi to shed light on the issue. The guests were Ali Khoddami, a registered counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors with experience in addiction, and Dr. Zohreh Ansari, who is involved in addiction and abuse facilities. During the session, they discussed the distinction between addiction and substance use.

Ali Khoddami emphasized the seriousness of addiction, calling it a sickness that requires attention. He also shared various methods of treatment.

Dr. Ansari discussed creating employment opportunities for those battling addiction, emphasizing the importance of small jobs. Additionally, she addressed the overdose crisis in BC. She explored the sources and available facilities in BC.

Sherry raised the issue of addicted individuals becoming homeless, and Ali Khoddami explained that addiction can lead to criminal activities due to the high cost of drugs. They dig into the strain on family relationships, with some families abandoning addicted members who end up on the streets.

Ali Khoddami highlighted government facilities providing clean needles to prevent overdoses and diseases.

Dr. Zohreh Ansari discussed the impact of trauma on individuals with addiction, emphasizing how past experiences can shape their future. The role of families in addiction was emphasized, with a focus on how growing up in a family with addiction and depression can affect children who later become addicted.

The session concluded with Ali and Zohreh discussing community involvement in helping those struggling with addiction, including the availability of overdose prevention kits at pharmacies.

Guests:

Ali Khoddami - Senior Counsellor at SHARE Society

Dr. Zohreh Ansari- Dentist and Facilitator at UBC

Journalist: Sherry Soltani,
Skyrise Media Society