Understanding Substance Use, Addiction, and Harm Reduction
Description
Overview
Have you ever been concerned about substance use, your own or someone else’s, and felt unsure how to better understand or respond to it? Substance use and addiction can affect people across the entertainment industry. Approaching these experiences with knowledge, compassion, and without judgment can help create safer, more supportive spaces.
In this introductory workshop with The AFC's Emily Hill and Hayley Schmalz, participants will explore substance use and addiction in the entertainment industry, the potential harms associated with substance use, and the principles of harm reduction. The session will look at substance use as a spectrum, recognizing that people’s experiences and needs can vary widely.
Participants will leave with practical insights and accessible tips for fostering safer, more supportive workplaces and creative spaces.
Who Should Attend
Anyone interested in learning about substance use, addiction, and harm reduction.
Key Takeaways
Understand substance use as a spectrum and recognize the diversity of people’s experiences and needs.
Learn the principles of harm reduction, including why abstinence isn’t always the goal or the right approach for everyone.
Explore how substance use can show up in the entertainment industry and the factors that may shape these experiences.
Identify practical ways to create safer, more supportive environments for people who use substances.
Important Note
This session is not a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The AFC's workshops are intended to provide general information and strategies and do not offer personalized advice. Experts may not be able to answer all participants' questions.
Accessibility
ASL interpretation, closed captions, and translated captions (35 languages) are available.
Recording
This event will be recorded. The link to the replay will be provided to all who sign up.
Facilitators
Emily Hill (MSW, RSW)
Emily Hill (she/her) is the Case Manager with The AFC and a Registered Social Worker. Having received her Master’s degree in Social Work from York University, Emily worked for several years with homeless and under-housed folks living with mental health and substance use issues in downtown Toronto. She then went on to work for a labour union, representing social service workers in their contract negotiations and workplace concerns for five years. At The AFC, Emily coordinates the Maintaining Mental Wellness Program, which includes initiatives such as support groups, the Navigator referral service and working to expand mental health practitioner access for members of the arts and entertainment industry.
Hayley Schmalz (MSW, RSW)
Hayley Schmalz (she/her) is a registered social worker and works as a Case Manager with The AFC. Hayley holds a Diploma, Undergraduate Degree, and Master’s Degree, all in social work. In her role with The AFC, Hayley provides client advocacy, counselling support, and tailored referrals to additional services. She also engages in collaborative planning to help maintain life stabilization. More recently, Hayley has developed a Counselling Pilot Program with The AFC to support those who face barriers in accessing affordable mental health services. Previously, Hayley worked in several roles in mental health counselling, housing, and harm reduction case management with houseless and underhoused populations. Hayley’s expertise has been in supporting those with complex mental health and substance use. As a visual artist, Hayley shares a strong connection to the arts sector. She is also a passionate supporter of music, art exhibits, and film and television.
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