Addiction is a serious disease, but it is not being taken care of; it is being ignored. This is why Prevention, Education, Empowerment, Relief (PEER) Project Co-Coordinator Jennifer Johnson and Health Educator Megan Rowe hosted an “Anonymous People” event in South Dining on Oct. 15.
Prior to the audience’s arrival, Johnson set up the projector and made sure that everything was working perfectly. Rowe prepared buttery-smelling, tasty popcorn and other small refreshments for the audience to munch on while enjoying the event, which included a showing of the film “The Anonymous People.” This movie showed the audience that not only is addiction a difficult thing to treat, but so is recovery.
Johnson emphasized the importance of the event in educating the public on recovery from addiction.
“This topic of recovery tonight is connected to wellness. Many times when we find in the research is that recovery is packed filled of myths, stereotypes and lots of stigma, and that makes it difficult for people who are going through recovery to be honest about their recovery process,” Johnson said. “So for tonight’s event, we are really trying to create an atmosphere where people can learn how to healthfully talk about recovery.”
Instead of giving a lecture about the topic, members of the PEER Project decided to screen the movie “The Anonymous People.” This movie shows individuals who have struggled with misusing substances and entered into recovery. It is hard for them to share that they are in recovery, so they remain in the shadows, anonymous.
Laura Lopez, who works for the Stanislaus County in the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, stated her opinion on the film after watching it.
“I was overwhelmed by the documentary itself, in regards to how the recovery movement has begun and how far it has come, as well as how much farther we have to go in the whole process; it was definitely an eye opening experience for me,” Lopez said. “The movie talks about how a lot of people in recovery feel a lot of shame, guilt, and they feel like they have to hide, and this opened up the door to see that it is not just ‘a bum under the bridge’, but this is also your neighbor, a politician, and in general, people that you know.”
PEER Project had a successful turnout with their event, and with a smile on her face, Johnson explained why it was preferred to utilize a film like “The Anonymous People,” rather than a lecture.
“Many times, media serves as a primer, so if students are able to watch a film or a video – or even a show – where something can be presented in a factual and entertaining way, then most students can begin a conversation around that. Also, students feel comfortable with it because they might not have a lot of knowledge around a particular topic, but yet they can be exposed to a film or even a play, and that helps foster that conversation,” Johnson said.
Jason Wayrynen, a graduate student in Social Work, hopes that through this event and movie, students of California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) become more knowledgeable about addiction and recovery.
“Just like it was said in the movie, ‘there will be a ripple effect,’ meaning regardless of the few in the audience tonight, hopefully they learned something tonight and they will talk about it with their friends, and it will keep moving on. We might not know, but maybe they will watch this movie on Netflix or something of that nature (…) so that will also keep that moving,” Wayrynen said.
Johnson encourages Stan State students to use their resources on campus for their well-being. She also stresses the fact that students with any sort of helpful advice are more than welcome to join the PEER Project. Students who would like to seek help from the PEER Project are advised to either email the organization at [email protected], or visit their office located inside the Student Services building, room 121.