Why is UpWords specifically for Stimulant-users?

I asked this question, hoping to learn more about the reality of drug users — why would there be a special group for people who use stimulants (Cocaine and Crystal Meth)? They said:

“Stimulants make you more active”

“There are already lots of support groups for methadone/opiate users, but there are more stimulant users in the Downtown Eastside”

In the course of answering this question, they also identified concepts that are central to Harm Reduction philosophy and practice:

“There are lots of groups for stimulant users who have quit or want to quit. We are different. We say we like using it, now how can we make it safe?”

“We have proven that stimulant users can still get involved.”

Why is UpWords Important?

I asked the editorial team this question in hopes that they would help me to understand their perspective on Harm Reduction. I was not disappointed. While one of the participants talked about personal benefit (“The group keeps me busy — I am not out doing crime”), other responses showed that a lot of thought was going into how the group could benefit the wider community:

“People drift into the centre due to poverty. This group can give them a sense of knowledge and purpose”

“The group builds cultural bonds. People from different cultures work as one group. This helps us to understand each other, where we come from and why we do things the way we do.”

“When I listen to people talk, it is pretty deep. People talk philosophically. We need to encourage them to get these ideas down on paper.”

“We are changing attitudes towards the neighbourhood, helping to dispel myths, debunk stories: this is empowering!”

“We want to contribute to the community”

For a sample page from UpWords, see Attachment D.