A film screening is being held at the Village Playhouse Wednesday to honour International Overdose Awareness Day.
Leslee Holland and Amanda Wadsworth of the rapid Access Addiction Medicine Team said the film, called A Sobering Story, is a documentary about opioid use in Thunder Bay.
“It’s told through personal narratives as well as expert insights about the opioid crisis in Thunder Bay. And it really talks a lot about the lack of resources, which isn’t just specific to Thunder Bay. We definitely see it here as well. And really to reduce the stigma around opioids in general, and raise awareness and compassion for those grappling with addiction,” Holland said.
Holland and Wadsworth said rural communities face problems with addiction, just like urban centres, and awareness of this is important.
“I think the effect is greater in rural communities. We don’t have the resources, we don’t have the same awareness, especially with agencies helping those who use opiates or other substances for that matter. So I think that it’s really important that we take the time to make sure people know it does happen here, not just in bigger centers,” Holland said.
“You also don’t see the addiction half the time. So a lot of people don’t realize that someone could be suffering because when they meet them or talk to them, they seem themselves and completely coherent. But behind closed doors, they might be having a substance issue,” Wadsworth added.
“And if, unfortunately, they do end their life from that substance, it’s very traumatic for the people who love them, their friends, their family, because they don’t realize they were even struggling with it.”
Wadsworth said the event at the playhouse will provide an opportunity for people who have lost a loved one to overdose to come together and commemorate their lives.
The event is free and will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Village Playhouse.
Starting at 1 p.m., there will be snacks and naloxone training.
The film will start at 2 p.m.
