I Died Six Times … Let’s End the Stigma of Harm Reduction | Guy Felicella | TEDxWhiteRock

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Publicado 2018-07-18
Giving people perspective from a lived experience that no matter what the odds are against an individual struggling in addiction, people do get better. People do get their lives and families back and do become productive members of society. When we remove the stigma of addiction and harm reduction and look at the individual with compassion, amazing things can happen!
Guy Felicella grew up in a middle-class home in Richmond but fell into addiction at a young age. Guy spent thirty years in the repeated cycle of gang, addiction, treatment and jail. He spent nearly twenty years residing in the two-block radius in the Downtown Eastside and using many resources, including harm reduction, to keep himself alive. Today, Guy has escaped the grips of the turmoil that kept him suffering and resides in Surrey with his wife and two young children with multiple years of recovering and sobriety under his belt, working for Vancouver Coastal Health. Guy spent nearly his entire life suffering from the disease of addiction and now he is using his experience to change the hearts and minds of people and remove the stigma of harm reduction and drug addiction. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Todos los comentarios (21)
  • @openaidalliance
    Wow... really great talk with great examples of harm reduction. I love the comparison of bars/pubs as safe consumption sites... it’s spot on.
  • @Dr.RBZultrarunningnewbie
    I have to be honest; I was closed minded to this idea about 5 years ago. Until a loved one overdosed and I really thought about the "what ifs and how can we save lives". And that resulted in my heart and mind expanding and being 100% in support of such facilities. This was an amazing presentation and shared lived experience. Thank you Guy Felicella.
  • @oryxandcake
    Guy, you are incredible. Thank you for sharing and advocating. We need more people like you in the world!
  • @levilegroulx2204
    Great talk. Very important right now to know the benifits of a harm reduction. Thank you Guy for your vulnerability.
  • @denisewozniak9196
    This is a disruptive talk and a brave, sharing advocate. I have total respect for Guy and he rocks it here.
  • @cindiebrennan147
    A very powerful presentation for Harm reduction. This has helped me with my understanding the difference between enablement and prevention of death. Thank you Guy. You are a powerful power of example for sure.
  • @MrToddramberg
    Way to go Guy, great news to hear and see your doing great, and thank you for helping people understand harm reduction.i remember back when we were 14 surprised were still both here.
  • @AliensAnonymus
    Addiction knows no age, race, gender! People can not reach out in their communities because of the stigma that exists. Sadly theses people lose their lives. Do you view it with compassion or conviction? Spectacular. Thankyou ❤️ ✌️ 💐
  • @carmenmcdonald9919
    so happy for you Guy! I have some endearing memories of you back in the day and so glad you survived to spread the word xoxoxox
  • @lindinolte
    such an important message. Guy is the best example of people changing for the better!
  • @eleanorjaya4706
    Wow guy what a great talk. I’m from Australia & yes instead of putting a stigma on people with drug addiction more empathy & support is needed. Never judge a person because it can happen to you one day. I always say that any addiction normally starts with some trauma or pain occurring in your life, & then you are desperately in need of anything. I have suffered chronic pain the last 10yrs & are on meds & I hate when people say don’t take them, but of course they have never experienced the pain I have. I have been blessed with good dr’s & health management that hopefully I can control my life. The beauty of living in Australia is that our health system is good & not expensive like in the USA. There is plenty of help but more is always needed.I wish you lots of luck in your new life & thanks for helping others.
  • @shamoo44
    Great Ted talk by Guy. Well done. Thought provoking and great information and a powerful testimony!
  • @jestineburggraf
    Amazing talk. Loved the way you explained harm reduction and the comparisons you used. This needs shared everywhere.
  • @myfriendballooon
    Guy, I've watched this video multiple times and I've been moved to tears every time.
  • @borntobone
    This is of the very best videos I've seen. I completely agree.