Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery, and stigma with different people.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, then this podcast can help.
Podcast Overview
Over the past two years, Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma has emerged as a significant platform for discussing the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the stigma associated with these issues. Produced by ReNew, a leading drug and alcohol service provided by Change Grow Live, the podcast is recognised for its authenticity and relatability. The podcast serves as a platform to bring together experts, individuals with lived experiences, and thought leaders to discuss the intricacies of addiction, recovery, and stigma, contributing to a broader movement towards understanding and support.
It has earned nominations at the 2024 Radio Academy Awards and, more recently, at the British Podcast Awards in the Interview Category for 2024. These accolades highlight the podcast's impact and the quality of its content. The team behind the podcast prides itself on creating episodes that resonate deeply with its audience, offering an authentic and compassionate approach to these important topics.
Mission
The mission of Believe in People is to share authentic stories, provide practical insights, and foster dialogue within the addiction, recovery, and stigma communities. The podcast aims to inspire hope, reduce stigma, and promote holistic approaches to healing and recovery.
Goals
- To destigmatise addiction, recovery, and mental health issues by promoting open dialogue and understanding.
- To provide practical advice, insights, and resources for individuals navigating the journey of recovery.
- To empower listeners to seek support, build connections, and embrace the possibility of recovery, transformation, and a stigma-free future.
Practical Advice
Believe in People is committed to offering practical advice and insights for individuals struggling with addiction and those affected by stigma. This advice is delivered through various methods, providing valuable guidance and support for listeners:
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Identifying Coping Strategies: Participants share coping strategies they have used during their addiction and recovery journey. This includes techniques for managing cravings, navigating triggers, coping with stress, and dealing with the impacts of stigma.
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Highlighting Resources and Support Networks: The podcast features discussions on the resources, support networks, and treatment options that have been instrumental in participants' recovery processes. Recommendations may include specific support groups, therapy techniques, or community organisations that have proven helpful, especially in combating stigma.
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Sharing Recovery Tools and Techniques: Participants offer practical tools and techniques they have incorporated into their daily lives to support their recovery journey and resilience against stigma. These might include mindfulness practices, journaling exercises, or lifestyle changes that promote health, well-being, and self-empowerment.
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Addressing Relapse Prevention: Insights into relapse prevention strategies and techniques are a key focus. Discussions cover warning signs of relapse, developing personalised relapse prevention plans, accessing support during times of vulnerability, and the role stigma can play in the recovery process.
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Navigating Challenges, Setbacks, and Stigma: The podcast shares stories of overcoming challenges and setbacks during the recovery journey, along with strategies used to navigate these obstacles. Topics include resilience, perseverance, and seeking help when needed, with a specific focus on overcoming the barriers created by stigma.
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Empowering Others: Participants provide words of encouragement, hope, and inspiration to listeners who may be struggling with addiction, battling stigma, or in the early stages of recovery. Personal stories of transformation and growth are shared to instil confidence and empower others to take positive steps toward recovery and to challenge stigma.
Participant Screening and Preparation
To ensure the well-being of all participants, Believe in People conducts thorough screening of individuals who share their stories. This process ensures that participants are emotionally prepared to engage in open discussions about addiction, recovery, and the stigma they may have faced. Prior to recording sessions, participants receive detailed information about the recording process, potential topics of discussion, and resources for support. Believe in People adopts a trauma-informed approach in all interactions with participants, recognising the potential triggers and emotional vulnerabilities associated with discussing addiction, recovery, and stigma. The podcast team is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment that prioritises participant comfort, autonomy, and agency throughout the recording process.
Host
Matthew Butler, the host of Believe in People, has worked in the substance misuse field for over ten years. As the Service User Involvement Lead, he is dedicated to amplifying the voices of service users and tackling the stigma they face. Matthew's experience has given him a deep understanding of the complexities of addiction, allowing him to challenge preconceived notions and share the lived experiences of those who have overcome significant challenges. His approach reflects a commitment to believing in people and supporting their potential for change, while actively combating the stigma that often hinders recovery.