Self Help Recovery Groups

The Self Help Groups have been very popular in Ghana. The regular Group Meetings gained momentum with an increasing number of new clients. Self Help Groups provide support to people with addiction and care for this vulnerable population. Addiction is not treated as a “taboo”which allow the clients to talk honestly about their experiences and struggles.

Furthermore, there are Outreach and Promotion Activity. To sensitize the community in Ghana, they have printed 200 posters against discrimination of addicts in combination with the promotion of the Self Help Groups in the vicinity. People with addiction problem feel relieved in the context of these Group Meetings because they can come together and talk about their experiences and struggles, without being jugged. The goal is to raise awareness on people with addictions, fight against discrimination on them and remove stigma on victims of addictions. The importance of support instead of stigma is therefore emphasized through the Self Help Groups. The posters should sensitize local actors, such as community leaders, churches and police, on supporting the people suffering from addictions or are at risk of drinking and promoting civil society to Self Help Groups. General awareness is an important step to overcome addictions.

In order to expand the project, the Ghana Blue Cross plan to engage more young members to post posters to show the public the Self Help Groups and its success. The potential of Self Help Groups in Ghana is huge. They plan to train more facilitators in monthly training sessions by IBC. As a result of the success and the increase of new clients, the Self Help Groups are an essential platform for people who struggle with addictions where they can meet regularly and support each other.

Though attending the Self Help Groups, the participants adapt a more healthy behavior, for example the reduction of drug use. It’s observed that even without medical treatment, participating in a group and exchanging thoughts, experiences and struggles with others can have a huge impact on someone’s behavior and subjective well-being. The Self Help Groups help the participants to feel better in many ways because they are accepted and valued in the setting of Group Meetings. Everyone who suffers from addiction is welcomed which allows people to come together and talk about something that society declares as a “taboo”. Talking about issues that have deep rotes is the first step to change personally in a healthier direction and recover from injuries due to drug consumption and its related harm. Self Help Groups are therefore an indispensable resource for empowerments.

If you want to support us, you are warmly welcomed to donate to our project. Thank you very much for your support for this life changing project!

In Burkina Faso there are currently two Self Help Groups, that meet on a weekly basis. One in Saaba and one in Tampouy. Looking back on the last three months, it is amazing to see how the lives of the participants have improved. One participant completey quit on smoking, and most of them have cut down their alcohol consumption.

What worked best, was when participants got supported by their wives and families. Talking to their families about their needs and admitting that they struggle with substance abuse lead to a reduction of consumption. Another important step in overcoming their addiction was being humble within their families. Especially male participants said that it was important for them to not be too proud to seek help and admit their problems. 

One important topic for the participants was seeking forgiveness from the ones they have hurt. They talked about accepting the past and forgiving themselves for what they have done. Self Help groups are a great tool to talk about such topics. They give room for people who struggle with addictions to exchange with other people who experience similar things.

One difficulty that the participants of the Self Help Groups are facing is the increase of the costs of living. Burkina Faso is facing problems with food supply which is why food became really expensive. Since this effects everyone in Burkina Faso it also effects the participants of the Self Help Groups who now, besides their addictions, also face financial hardships.

Self Help groups are more important than ever at this time. Be part of the transformation of many lives and support the Self Help groups in Burkina Faso by donating to this project. They do not only improve the lives of the participants but also the lives of whole families!