Geoff Kane
Geoff Kane, MD, MPH
Episode 15: Providing Meaningful Belonging in Portugal: The Power of Caring and Comprehensive Resources
Episode 15: Providing Meaningful Belonging in Portugal: The Power of Caring and Comprehensive Resources
Episode 15: Providing Meaningful Belonging in Portugal: The Power of Caring and Comprehensive Resources
Wednesday 10th July 2024
Explore Portugal's unique approach to addiction treatment with Maria Joao Cunhal. Learn how compassion and comprehensive resources transform lives.
Explicit
58 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Hopeful
Inspiring
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Geoff Kane
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Recovery Reimagined
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Episodes:
18 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Portugal's Compassionate Approach to Addiction: Insights from Maria Joao Cunhal
Episode Overview
- Portugal's approach treats addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
- A unique commission assesses individuals to provide support instead of punishment.
- New Life Portugal offers holistic therapies for resilience and recovery.
- Community integration and meaningful belonging are crucial for overcoming addiction.
- Maintaining these interventions poses financial challenges.
The purpose is not to create penalty on the person, but rather to rehabilitate and promote well-being and community integration
Ever wondered how a country can turn the tide on drug addiction? In this episode of Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery, Geoff Kane and Aaron Wessel sit down with Maria Joao Cunhal to explore Portugal's revolutionary approach to addiction treatment. Maria, who was there when Portugal decriminalised drug possession in 2001, shares her firsthand experiences and insights into the nation's journey towards treating addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
She explains how a unique commission, comprising a lawyer, psychologist, and doctor, assesses individuals caught with drugs to provide them with comprehensive support rather than punishment. This holistic approach has led to significant improvements in public health and safety, though maintaining these interventions remains a financial challenge. Maria also discusses her work at New Life Portugal, a health and healing centre that offers a range of therapies from counselling to yoga, aimed at fostering resilience and recovery.
Her stories highlight the importance of community, meaningful belonging, and continuous support in overcoming addiction. If you're curious about alternative approaches to addiction treatment or looking for inspiration in your recovery journey, this episode is a must-listen. It’s an eye-opener on how compassion and comprehensive resources can transform lives.