Beyond Belief Sobriety Podcast
AA Beyond Belief
Episode 110: Safe Injection Comedy Fundraiser Toronto Edition
Episode 110: Safe Injection Comedy Fundraiser Toronto Edition
Episode 110: Safe Injection Comedy Fundraiser Toronto Edition
Friday 15th March 2019
Discover how comedian Mark Hughes uses stand-up comedy to support pop-up safe injection sites and combat the opioid crisis.
Explicit
49 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Motivational
Supportive
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Beyond Belief Sobriety Podcast
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Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Comedy for a Cause: Mark Hughes on Tackling the Opioid Crisis
The opioid epidemic is a crisis, it's an emergency, and thousands of people are dying. The Toronto Overdose Prevention Society is responding to the crisis in their city by creating and operating pop-up safe injection sites.
Imagine using laughter as a weapon against one of the most devastating public health crises of our time. In this episode of the Beyond Belief Sobriety Podcast, host AA Beyond Belief sits down with Mark Hughes, a recovering addict and comedian, to discuss his innovative approach to combating the opioid epidemic through the Safe Injection Comedy Fundraiser. This unique initiative, which began in Vancouver, aims to support pop-up safe injection sites by raising funds through stand-up comedy shows.
These sites are crucial in providing a safer environment for those struggling with addiction, and they rely heavily on donations to operate. The opioid crisis has claimed more lives than the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, particularly affecting marginalized communities. The Toronto Overdose Prevention Society is on the front lines, creating and running these essential pop-up sites. Each site costs about $150 a day to maintain, making fundraising efforts like Hughes' comedy shows vital.
Hughes' journey from addiction to recovery and his use of comedy as a tool for social change offers a fresh perspective on how we can address this complex issue. The episode also delves into broader topics such as drug decriminalization and the role of community-based initiatives in addiction recovery. While many people eventually overcome substance abuse on their own, tailored treatment and support services are often necessary for long-term recovery.
This episode isn't just about highlighting a crisis; it's about showcasing the power of community and creativity in making a difference. Tune in to learn more about how you can support these efforts and maybe even find some inspiration in Hughes' story of resilience and humor.