Exhibition begins November 21 at Esplanade (Photo 103509647 © Marek Uliasz | Dreamstime.com)

By Brian Konrad

Exhibit offers real-life stories of addiction

Exhibition aims to promote deeper understanding of addictions

Nov 19, 2023 | 8:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT — A new interactive exhibit opening this week aims to tell the real-life stories of people impacted by addiction.

It’s called Addictions Don’t Discriminate and it looks to breakdown stereotypes, promote a deeper understanding of addiction, and inspire empathy and action.

The exhibit is a partnership involving the City of Medicine Hat, the Medicine Hat Drug Coalition, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society, Medicine Hat Health Foundation and Family and Community Support Services.

“We invite everyone to come and engage with this unique exhibit,” says Anabell Marroquin, Community Resource Worker, City of Medicine Hat.

“Our goal is to spark conversation, to spread knowledge, and to create a community where no one struggling with addiction feels they are battling alone.”

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According to a release from the city of Medicine Hat, the exhibit imparts the message that no one is destined from birth to develop an addiction.

While addiction is often seen as a moral failing or character flaw, research shows that like many chronic illnesses, there is a combination of genetic, developmental, social, and environmental factors that influence a person’s lived experience and their likelihood of developing an addiction.

Addictions Don’t Discriminate will be on exhibition at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre from November 21 to 25.

Learn more about the exhibit: https://addictionsdontdiscriminate.com/