The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) declared September 2014 to be Recovery Month. In honor of this, the club (of which I'm president ;) ), the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals (VAAP) Student Chapter presented a screening of the documentary The Anonymous People followed by a panel discussion.
The film is about the Catch 22 of recovery: to protect recovering people from the hurtful stigma attached to addiction, it is important to maintain anonymity; however, anonymity perpetuates the stigma!
The movie presents the new, or rather, revived movement of people coming out openly and calling out addiction for the disease it is. It suggests we follow the example of HIV-AIDS patients who came out as a united front in the late 80s / early 90s and smashed the myths about their disease with honesty and openness. Just as they declared, "Silence = Death", it is important for addicts to educate the public openly and unite against the stigmas that prevent millions from getting help.
This is one of the reasons I blog about my addiction, as well as my mental illness: to shine light on the darkness, to help those suffering feel less alone, and to encourage others to speak their truth as well.
If you are an addict, someone suffering from mental illness, a family member or friend, or just someone interested in positive change, the film is a must see! It is available to rent or own on Amazon Instant Video. Check it out!
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