For Social Justice Week, I chose to be in the Addiction track group, where we learned about how addiction affects our community. On our first day, Eriach Fox visited and talked to our group about the biological components of drug use. He also taught us about possible treatments and how childhood trauma can be correlated with becoming addicted later in life. We prepared bags filled with blankets, hand warmers, and snacks for the Savage Sisters nonprofit organization in Philadelphia. They provide resources for those who are struggling with addiction, especially in Kensington. After that, we played a game that was meant to simulate drug withdrawal.
On Wednesday, we took a walk around the city to try and spot hostile architecture, which are structures designed to keep homeless people out of public spaces. Most are made to look like art, but their main purpose is to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them, for example, a bench with a bar in the middle of it. Addiction and homelessness are often linked, which is why we learned about them. Our group then went through an obstacle course that was meant to simulate the challenges that people with addictions face when trying to get to rehab. Each of us were given different privileges, which affected the difficulty of the game. After that, we got to hear more speakers from Savage Sisters, and we learned about the effects of opioids such as xylazine and medetomidine. They taught us how to use nasal spray to help someone having an overdose. Lastly, they gave us Narcan to take home with us.
Friday was our last day, and we went on a field trip to the Gaudenzia rehabilitation center on Henry Ave. I pass by the building every day on the way to school, but I never knew what it was for, so it was cool to see what happens inside. Overall, I learned a lot about the psychological effects of addiction. The week was very focused on humanizing people who struggle with addiction, as oftentimes they’re stigmatized and misunderstood by society. I feel that I gained a deeper appreciation for this subject after taking this track. If you’re interested in psychology, or if you know someone who’s struggling with addiction, I would recommend this track.
