Peer School – Perceptions of Addiction

Peer School – Online Workshop

We all hold our own perceptions surrounding addiction, whether we’re aware of them or not. And those perceptions affect how we support and interact with others. 

Peer School: Perceptions of Addiction is a 2-part online workshop for anyone wanting to learn more about addiction and our personal perceptions, is supporting someone with addiction or wants to consider the steps to take to become more trauma-informed in day-to-day interactions.

In part 1 of Peer School: Perceptions of Addiction you’ll reflect on your own personal perception of addiction, consider where those perceptions have come from, and acknowledge common misconceptions about addiction. You’ll also learn the foundations of addiction while considering the implications of addiction stigma. 

While the 2nd part of this workshop will build skills around talking about addiction with others, having supportive conversations with folks we’re concerned about, and learn helpful ways of supporting someone who experiences addiction.

Peer School: Perceptions of Addiction has been created in collaboration with CMHA Kelowna’s Housing staff, Interior Health, Living Positive Resource Centre & Foundry Kelowna, with all contributions from people with lived/living and learned expertise.

What to expect:

• Online community workshop
• Held as a Zoom meeting 
• 2 sessions, each 90 minutes long 
• 2 Co-facilitators leading the workshop
• Interactive participation throughout 
• Workbook with work-along activities
• Instructions on how to join are sent to your email before the session begins
• Recommended to have a pen and paper
• No prior knowledge needed

Learning Opportunities:

• Consider our own perceptions of addiction & where these perceptions have come from
• Define addiction & how it can impact a person’s life
• Understand stigma surrounding addiction and the implications of this
• Recognise ways we can challenge our own perceptions or consider alternative perceptions 
• Acknowledge how language can be supportive and less supportive
• Gain skills in being supportive & non-judgemental when discussing addiction & supporting people experiencing addiction.
• Learn why recovery is a term used by some and not by others