Keith Bowering: From Meth Addiction to Community Outreach
We need to rethink the binary of using vs. clean across every substance addiction...It doesn't make much sense from a drug court perspective and understanding the community.
Imagine being trapped in a cycle of addiction and then finding the strength to turn your life around. That's exactly what Keith Bowering, a former methamphetamine addict, did. In this episode of the Say Know Podcast, Keith sits down with host Matt Ingrouille to share his raw and honest journey from the depths of meth addiction to becoming a community outreach worker in Saskatoon.
Keith doesn't just talk about his personal struggles; he dives into the culture that forms among meth users, the evolving landscape of meth production and distribution, and the daunting barriers addicts face when seeking treatment. He challenges the traditional view of addiction as simply 'using' vs. 'clean' and urges for a more nuanced understanding. Keith also sheds light on how trauma influenced his addiction and debunks myths about drug legalization leading to more addicts.
He even touches on responsible drug dealing, revealing the complexities of this underground world. One of the standout moments is Keith's discussion on the Portuguese model of drug decriminalization, which has shown promising results in reducing addiction rates. He argues for a shift in how society perceives addiction, emphasizing empathy and practical solutions. Through his work in community outreach, Keith has turned his past struggles into a force for good, helping others navigate their own battles with addiction.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support in tackling addiction.