San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
Changing the Conversation about Drug Addiction
Changing the Conversation about Drug Addiction
Changing the Conversation about Drug Addiction
Wednesday 12th April 2023
Discover how Theresa Clower's INTO LIGHT project uses art to humanize addiction and challenge stigma in this moving episode of 'Resilient and Real'.
33 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Transformative
About this podcast
Author:
San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Financial Health in Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
45 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Drawing Hope: The INTO LIGHT Project's Mission to Change Perceptions of Addiction
Episode Overview
- Teresa Clower founded the INTO LIGHT Project after her son's death to humanize drug addiction
- Barbara Francois acts as the project's lead narrative writer, emphasizing the power of storytelling
- The project aims to erase stigma and change the conversation around substance use disorder
- The exhibition's educational objectives and long-term goals include a national exhibition and educational programming
- INTO LIGHT Project invites support and donations to continue its impactful work
I think it's the most incredibly powerful thing. It can be moving, and at the same time for us because it's another creation if you will we've been working on for a year plus and here comes together so there's an elation.
Imagine turning grief into a powerful movement that changes how we see addiction. That's exactly what Theresa Clower did after losing her son Devin to a drug overdose in 2018. In this episode of 'Resilient and Real', Theresa shares her journey from heartbreak to healing through art. She began by drawing Devin's portrait, which sparked the creation of the INTO LIGHT project.
This initiative showcases hand-drawn portraits and personal narratives of individuals who have lost their lives to addiction, aiming to put a human face on the disease and break down the stigma surrounding it. Joining Theresa is Barbara Francois, the project's Assistant Director and Narrative Writer. Together, they dive into the emotional and transformative process of creating these portraits and stories. They discuss how each piece is more than just a tribute; it's a call to change the conversation about addiction.
You'll hear about the impact the project has had on families and communities, and why Theresa believes that art can be a powerful tool for empathy and understanding. The California INTO LIGHT project exhibition, sponsored by the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, is currently on display at the Anthropology Museum at California State University, San Bernardino.
Whether you're dealing with addiction yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more about this complex issue, this episode offers a heartfelt and eye-opening perspective. Tune in to learn how one mother's love is helping to change perceptions and bring hope to those affected by addiction.