Self Help Recovery Groups

People suffering from addiction are one of the most vulnerable and marginalized population, also in Uganda. Self-Help groups are created for people as a resource to help reduce alcohol or drugs consumption and problems resulting from addiction. The groups manage to remove stigma on victims of addiction and fight against discrimination.

A Self-Help group in Uganda, named Ring Of Hope, runs two different groups, allowing participants to talk more openly about their addiction issues. In their regular meetings, ways to adopt healthier behavior and strategies for reducing alcohol and drug consumption are demonstrated. The participants are able to express themselves and reflect on their addiction problems and its consequences. Participating in a group is an important instrument that creates a feeling of belonging together. The participants get a voice and can speak openly about struggles and feelings. Even without medical treatment, being part of a group and exchanging with other participants can have a positive impact on their behaviors. Self-Help groups offer support, a safe space to talk (without being judged) and give opportunity to learn from other people’s experiences.

 Furthermore, the local communities are sensitized about the importance of inclusion and care instead of excluding and stigmatizing people suffering from addiction. Community awareness raising and the sensitizing on the importance of supporting the victims of addiction are essential in many ways. The community and families encourage people suffering from addictions to participate in Self-Help groups and gain support on their recovery way thereby.

 Thank you very much for supporting this work through your donation! Thanks to you, people get the opportunity to change and experience acceptance, mutual respect and a chance to talk openly. THANK YOU!