This article is about – LGBTQI refugees during Russia’s war in Ukraine. The material has been translated from English into Georgian. You can see the full English version of the text at the following link.
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On February 24, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and started a war. The war, which has been going on for a week, has already claimed the lives of many people. It forced many Ukrainians to leave their land and take refuge in neighboring states. People from all over the world are watching how Russian forces are destroying Ukrainian cities, buildings and how Ukraine’s history is changing.
Municipal Council Building, Kharkiv
Freedom Square, Kharkiv
Kharkiv Municipal Building
Karazin University, Kharkiv
Constitution Square, Kharkiv
Exploded bridge in Irpin
Residential complex in Kyiv
Industrial building in Yasynuvata
Hospital in Kyiv
10-storey residential building in Kyiv
Residential building in Irpin
Jewelry store in Kharkiv
Residential building in Kyiv
Kharkiv
Residential building, Lenin Street, Borodianka
Kyiv
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On February 24, Putin’s Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine. It is the largest military aggression in Europe since World War II. Putin described the actions as a special military operation, a peacekeeping mission. Putin’s disinformation machine immediately started working and tried to declare Russia a peaceful nation, which was not easy. The truth of misinformation is much harder in the digital age. Putin, obsessed with “Soviet glory” is still exemplary. So Soviet-era propaganda posters are as relevant in Russia as they used to be.
The spirit of communism lingers in Europe, as evidenced by Putin’s 22-year one-man rule. President Putin is trying to expand the borders of the Russian Empire as far as he can. However, for years Russian aggression was taken seriously enough by the Western society. During the war in Ukraine Putin’s Russia remained a hope for 1-2 friendly countries, while the rest of the world turned their backs. So it can be said that the spirit of communism can come back to life.
Ukraine is still waiting for warriors, though not with open arms, as Putin thought. Russia has long considered no one (almost no one) as its savior. Ukraine, free from Soviet influence, met the Russian aggressors with a fighting attitude, which was not as easy to break as Putin had imagined.
Moreover, Western sanctions have even pitted Putin’s loyal supporters against the “glorious leader.” The devaluation of the ruble, rising prices for products, and the freezing of capital accumulated in Western financial institutions have made the oligarchs realize that Russian aggression is damaging their property.
Therefore, Putin decided to censor all dissenting opinions, because “lying” is the biggest enemy of dictatorship. Critical media outlets were restricted from broadcasting, measures were taken to reduce the flow of information from other countries. The role of propaganda media was further strengthened, although in the age of the Internet, establishing control over information was not as easy as it was in Soviet times. An example of this is the correct information spread in the evaluations of various Russian food outlets or in the list of sights in Google Map, which is spread by consumers from all over the world.
The ignorant are blind, and Putin arranges for the presence of as many ignorant people as possible in his own Russia. Who will go to defend the homeland with his one call. However, ignorant people often fail and get misfortune, which appeared even during the attack on Ukraine. The war, which was to decide the fate of Ukraine in the first days, lasted much longer, and Russian soldiers are increasingly losing their temper. Because they often do not know where they are going and what justification will be sought by Russia. A war waged on the land of another country.
Putin’s goal is the same – Berlin, Kiev, Tbilisi and all other cities, but, most likely, this goal has not been achieved. After the mobilization in Russia was announced, Georgia became the goal or final destination of the Russian people. People who did not vote for Russian aggression are now seeking refuge in other countries.
The same is true for Putin, and the Russian president. He has no allies who, like him, can achieve the glorious goals of Russian imperialism. The international media calls Putin’s statements about nuclear weapons a “doomed attempt.” Therefore, we must assume that Putin will not be able to conquer half of Europe as his Nazi ancestor did.
Today, Putin is the worst enemy of women, children, people who want a peaceful life. This is why the whole world has joined Putin in the fight against Russia. However, it must be said that Putin is also an enemy of the Russian people. This is evidenced by the records of mothers and Russian soldiers who know nothing about sending their family members to the battlefield. Hundreds of people have been detained during rallies in Russia, but most Russians still do not know who to fight against or simply do not want to bother voting against Putin.
Today, Putin calls Russians in the name of the motherland and instructs them to join the war in another country. But the information spread on social networks, confirms that Russian citizens are planning to leave the country, among others Georgia. Russians are called by their motherland, but this cry is not followed by most of the citizens and they also avoid enlisting in the army in different countries.
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The Public Defender of Georgia, Nino Lomjaria, wrote about her application for EU membership on her Facebook page. According to Lomjaria, “Georgia today has an extraordinary opportunity to get consent from the European Union to become a candidate.”
Lomjaria noted that her vision called for analysis of what she had heard from Western partners and the political spectrum for unanimity.
“For this [for European integration] it is critically necessary for the Georgian political spectrum today to show the West full unanimity around this idea! what does this mean? The statement was officially made by the government, however, it will be important for the opposition parties to send messages to their partner parties in the European Parliament. To everyone they vote for, that we are all united around this idea and that this is what most of the political or civic spectrum wants in the country! We should turn this idea into a reason for the unification of the country and not for further fragmentation or polarization! We must show political maturity and not destroy whoever it comes from!” Lomjaria wrote on Facebook.
According to the Public Defender, the people’s protest played a crucial role in sending the application.
“People’s protest has played a crucial role in sending this statement, because every government is more afraid of its own voters than of outside forces! Therefore, rallies in support of European integration should not include issues that divide this unity of the people! “- said the Public Defender, adding that we should get a full and deserved place in the EU – Place in their ranks. Skeptics will now appear in their ranks, reminding us of failed reforms, the reversal of democracy, all the abusive statements made by the authorities in recent times. But we must remind them that our heroic soldiers’ and peace-loving civilians’ blood was spilled due to the aspirations of the membership of the civilized world in the past 30 years. The population of Georgia will soon see the internal reforms!”
The Prime Minister, Irakli Gharibashvili, signed a document on Georgia’s request to join the European Union today.
“Today is a historic day for Georgia. I am signing the application for EU membership on behalf of the country. Applying for EU membership is another official stage on Georgia’s path to European integration. Our country has always belonged to the area of European culture and civilization. With its long history, it still makes a valuable contribution to its protection and development,” Gharibashvili said.
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Influential Balenciaga Fashion House Has Joined the Word Food Program in a Humanitarian Donation to Support Ukraine.
Information about this was spread on Balenciaga’s Instagram page.
“We support peace and will be donating to WFP to provide first aid to Ukrainian refugees. Soon we will open our platforms to cover current events in Ukraine” – can be read in the official statement of the fashion house.
Balenciaga is a fashion house founded in 1917, the creative director of which since 2015 has been the Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia.
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Major Hollywood film studios have stopped renting films in Russia due to the events in Ukraine over the past week.
The first to make that decision was The Walt Disney, which made an official announcement on Monday saying that the premiere of the Disney and Pixar animated film Turning Red would no longer take place in Russia.
Shortly after Disney’s announcement, Warner Brothers and Sony also stopped showing movies in Russia. On Tuesday, Paramount Pictures and Universal joined the above-mentioned film companies.
“Future business decisions will depend on how things turn out,” Disney said.
Warner Bros. has canceled the premiere of “Batman” in Russia, and Sony – Morbius.
According to Comscore, 3% of the profits of Hollywood movie companies come from the Russian market.
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Lamara Abzhandadze is a 91-year-old blogger who responds to heated social or political topics through social media. She decided to study computer at the age of 87 because he did not have the opportunity to protest and physically attend rallies. Since then she has been actively advocating for minority rights and the idea of equality.
Here is an interview with Lamara Abzhandadze:
What problems does our society face today and what do you think is the responsibility of each individual to change our situation for the better?
Today our society is facing very big problems, the first big problem is the fight for self-preservation – this is the main problem, then comes the fight against nepotism, the fight against corruption, as well as selective justice, and it is very unfortunate that people are alone in this fight, without government support. We need to force the government to think about these problems and offer us ways to solve them. Otherwise, we should demand the resignation of a government that does not care and think about solving our problem.
Why did you decide to be active in social networking and how did this step change your life?
When I studied how to use a computer, I was 87 years old. I still did not have the physical strength to protest and stand up for justice, but I saw other people using social media to protest, so I decided to set a goal, learn computers and use computers to show my protest. I can’t imagine life today without a computer.
What was the life of LGBTQ people like in Soviet Georgia?
In Soviet Georgia, even talking about these people was forbidden, as if these people did not exist, everyone found it difficult to talk about these topics in public spaces, everything was happening in a closed room. I first came across this topic through my grandchildren. They explained to me who LGBTQ people are and what they are fighting for, after that day I also firmly believe that all people have the right to expression and existence. LGBT + people are just as full members of society as everyone else.
You are one of the active supporters of the idea of minority rights and equality, what do you think led to this?
For me the most important thing is the person and in so many years of life have shown me that not all people can be the same, however we have to fight a lot to ensure that all human rights are equally protected. The law must be one for all and it must protect our dignity and rights. We cannot divide and fragment society, it is our obligation to receive all members of society and to enable them to enjoy the benefits that most of us enjoy today.
Where does the hatred and aggression we encounter in our society on a daily basis come from?
In my opinion, the aggression we encounter in society on a daily basis comes primarily from our government, from people who do not shy away from openly expressing aggression towards journalists, opposition parties, towards each other during various TV broadcasts, the hatred of these people comes to us and the whole country lives after With this aggression and hatred.
How can you maintain love for yourself and people no matter what time or system you live in and who controls your agenda?
Only the person who has faith and love in oneself can maintain it, you can not love others if you do not have faith and love for yourself. No matter what time you live in, no matter what the circumstances, you should not lose faith in yourself, you should not lose the love and trust in yourself. Every time has its challenges, and the main challenge of people is to never listen to the voice of time and to manage their own agenda. So it is easier to develop and maintain yourself.
How do you deal with aggression from social media?
Aggression usually comes when I write about minority rights or the idea of equality in my statuses. I see a lot of insults in the comments, of course I get angry, but I try to explain to these people that minorities today especially need the support and acceptance of the rest of society. And those who have chosen hate speech, nothing from them can hurt me anymore. I personally left the language of hatred a long time ago, you can not find the words in my vocabulary – “I hate”, “I despise” and today I feel much better.
Given the political and covid situation, the feeling of hopelessness is especially high among young people today, and not only among young people, what would you say to people who think that fighting for a better future makes no sense?
Fighting for a better future always makes sense. When I lived and worked as a teacher in the Soviet era, I fought there as well, I always turned to Soviet norms and tried to teach the subject to students so that my teaching would be free from Soviet propaganda. There were too many such small contradictions then, and in fact such steps dissolved and shattered the Soviet Union. Even today we must not lose the strength of this resistance and all young people must believe that their steps are the most important because they shape the future of our country.
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Author: Nino Bekaia
The English word “addiction” means dependence. Addictions can develop to a variety of substances, means, and behaviors, such as alcohol, tobacco, food, computer games, manifested by excessive accumulation of items, and so on. Addiction to psychoactive substances includes both physical and psychological addiction. Physical dependence manifests itself in the form of withdrawal syndrome, when a person experiences physical discomfort as a result of substance abuse. Psychological attitude is manifested in a strong longing and desire for the object of addiction.
In this article I will review the addiction in queer community and its specifics, what is the situation in terms of addictions in Georgia and abroad. Basically, I will talk about addiction to psychoactive substances – what is the impact of addiction on a person and what coping mechanisms are there, as well as what specific techniques are used in practice.
Addiction in the queer community
It has historically been believed that the use of psychoactive substances is high in queer people, as evidenced by empirical studies. According to the U.S. National Center on Psychoactive Substances, more than a third (37.6%) of people aged 18 and older reported consuming marijuana. Also, tobacco consumption is high in LGBT adults compared to heterosexual peers. According to the American Addiction Center, queer people consume 200% more tobacco than heterosexual people.
20 to 20% of queer people have moderate to severe dependence on alcohol. Gay men consume 3.5 times more marijuana than heterosexual men, and gay men consume 12.2 times more amphetamines than heterosexual men.
The high rates of addiction in queer people are due to many factors:
- Discrimination and social stigma
Many queer people experience some degree of stigma and homophobia. Hostile attitudes may come from acquaintances, neighbors, colleagues, and even family members. Constant stress, fear of losing a job, or a constant threat of hate-motivated crime often leads to the use of psychoactive substances.
Internalized homophobia
Homophobia has a negative effect on people, especially a negative effect on hatred of queer people and their self-esteem. In a homophobic environment it is sometimes difficult to accept your own identity. The strong stigma in society forces many homosexuals to resort to self-defense, to convince themselves that they are heterosexual, and to show aggression towards homosexuals. Sometimes they behave as heterosexual, that is, what is accepted as “normal behavior”. Internalized homophobia is also manifested in isolation, self-destructive behavior, and apathy, leading to the destruction of physical and mental health.
- Mental disorders
Clinical depression, stress, and anxiety disorders are common among LGBTQ members because of their homophobic environment and stigma. Eating disorders are also common. This is often accompanied by physical health problems. As a result, queer people seek relief from psychoactive substances.
- Lack of support or none at all
Many queer people hide their identities to avoid discrimination. Hidden lifestyles may create feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Even when a queer person decides not to hide and be seen in public, it is often accompanied by unacceptability from family and friends. Psychoactive substances are often used to relieve constant stress.
Also a problem is the referral of queer people to healthcare professionals. Because there are often objects of judgment or discrimination from the doctors, many refrain from going to the doctor, and financial access is also a barrier. The effects and harmful effects of psychoactive substances are manifested in terms of both physical and mental health, the treatment of which depends on human finances.
The development of addictions is generally facilitated by widespread myths and stereotypes. For example, many young people believe that marijuana is not a drug, cigarette smoking is just a bad habit and the choice of a smoker, tobacco helps to relieve stress and calm down, club drugs are not so dangerous and so on. Cigarettes, alcohol and club drugs are also often used to “unwind” and have fun.
What is dependance and what impact does it have on a person
In fact, marijuana, nicotine, and club drugs are also psychotropic drugs and cause a change in state of consciousness, which in turn affects mental processes and behavior.
Groups of psychoactive substances are: hallucinogens, opiates, depressants and stimulants.
The group of hallucinogens includes cannabis (hashish, marijuana) LSD and PCP. These hallucinogens cause the most fundamental change in consciousness. The group of opiates include, for example, heroin and morphine, the substances contained in them cause strong stimulation of nerve receptors and act on the dopamine part of the brain. The group of depressants includes barbiturates and alcohol, which inhibit mental and physical activity by inhibiting or reducing the transmission of nerve impulses to the central nervous system. Large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time cause overload of the central nervous system. Stimulants include amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine and caffeine. These substances act on the dopamine system and cause an euphoric mood, excessive energy and hyperactivity. For example, nicotine takes the place of natural neurotransmitters in the brain and causes strong addiction. The negative effects of nicotine on health often outweigh the effects of other substances taken together.
There are different definitions of addiction. It is different from emotions and specific beliefs. Attitudes are global assessments of objects and events that arise as a result of their relatively solid existence in memory.
Addiction is often seen as a predisposition to cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to the object of addiction. This three-component vision forms the basis of the dependency.
- Affective or emotional component – includes the feelings and emotions that an individual has towards the object of dependence. (Positive, pleasant)
- Behavioral component – as soon as an addicted person is able to consume a substance or perform the behavior that is the object of the addiction.
- Cognitive component – the individual’s beliefs and ideas about the object of dependence (positive evaluation of the object of dependence). For example, “Smoking calms me down”, “Alcohol helps me cope with stress”.
The damage caused by psychoactive substances varies from mild to severe, is short-term and long-term, and affects both physical and mental health and aggravates the socio-economic status of people. From mental problems, the most common manifestations are depression, anxiety, paranoia.
- Depression – There is ample evidence for a link between psychoactive substance use and depression. The effects of substances on certain areas of the brain are so great that their consumption can lead to depression and other disorders.
- Anxiety – Some stimulants, such as cocaine and nicotine, cause anxiety disorders and even panic attacks.
- Paranoia – Long-term use of cocaine and marijuana can lead to paranoia. Complicating the health situation is the fact that many drugs are illegal and consumers have a constant fear of being caught one day.
The physical harm that a person suffers as a result of psychoactive substances is most often manifested as follows:
- Kidneys
Long-term use of psychoactive substances may lead to kidney damage – dehydration, muscle dysfunction, increase in body temperature impairs the work of the kidneys, which over time can no longer perform its function.
- Liver
Excessive and prolonged use of alcohol is known to damage the liver. However, long-term use of opiates and steroids affects the liver in the same way as alcohol. The liver is damaged as a result of scars, necrosis and chronic inflammation.
- Heart
Many psychoactive substances affect the functioning of the heart. The damage is multifaceted, starting with an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, ending with thrombosis and stroke.
- lungs
Both the consumption of tobacco products as well as marijuana and cocaine cause great damage to the lungs. In addition to direct damage, drugs such as heroin, which cause slowing of breathing, also cause serious lung problems.
- Psychoactive substances also cause short-term harm, which manifests itself in dizziness, headaches, etc. Lowers immunity.
Behavioral effects that may develop as a result of psychoactive substances are as follows:
- The addicted person takes more and longer doses of the medication than he or she has been prescribed
- An addicted person is unable to stop using a psychoactive substance despite having a strong desire to quit
- Has a strong desire to use and obtain a substance
- Cannot complete tasks/work due to substance abuse
- Continues to worsen interpersonal relationships despite substance use
- In the face of substance use, termination of service and social ties
- Continues to use the substance even though he knows and realizes how the drug harms his physical and mental health
Consumption of psychoactive substances, in addition to harm to health and deteriorating quality of life, negatively affects the social and economic situation of people. Even the purchase of alcohol and tobacco in low-income countries is associated with high costs, which greatly impoverish the already poor. Treating damaged health is even more expensive for people and the state as well.
The rates of psychoactive substance use in Georgia are quite alarming. For example, the minimum age for tasting alcohol is 10 years. The study found that 1.6% of the general population due to alcohol abuse need to seek appropriate medical services. 31% of the population in Georgia is a tobacco user. The minimum age for first use of tobacco is 7 years for men and 9 years for women. 15.9% of respondents say they have smoked marijuana at least once in their lives, the minimum age for its use is 9 years for men and 12 years for women. Involvement in gambling was mentioned at least once in a lifetime by 31.3% of respondents. It should also be noted that, according to the NCDC, the number of smokers has decreased by 3% in the last three years, and tobacco use has stopped by 10%, which is largely due to the introduction of new legislation.
Consumption of psychoactive substances and the fight against various addictions remain a challenge in the world to this day. Experience working with addictions in Western countries has been accumulated, which, to some extent, is shared by Georgia at the legislative level. (For example, banning the use of tobacco products in public places, banning smoking in the presence of a child in taxis and cars) Addiction services have also emerged. A number of countries have better rates than Georgia, for example, according to Poland in 2018, the number of smokers is 26%, in the UK in 2020, millions of people quit smoking. However, the consumption of psychoactive substances by adults remains a challenge in the world to this day. In 2019, 8.4% of the population in EU countries aged 15 and over reported consuming alcohol on a daily basis. Raising awareness of addictions, including harm information, availability of addiction services, flexible legislative policy – these are the set of mechanisms that work effectively in different countries of the world and to which we should aim.
Why we use psychoactive substances
People have been consuming psychoactive substances since ancient times. For how long has the problem of psychoactive substance abuse exist, in parallel, there is the question – why? Why do people consume drugs? There is no single answer to this question. Various fields and currents of science offer hypotheses and coping mechanisms. However, before expanding on these hypotheses, I would like to point out that we need to distinguish between two different issues:
- Why does a person start consuming / tasting a psychoactive substance?
- Why do you continue to use the substance?
The answer to the second question is in the nature of addiction. As I mentioned at the beginning, psychoactive substances are characterized by both physical and psychological dependence on it. We often hear from people – “Alcohol puts me in a good mood, I get tired”, “I love cigarettes, I like its taste”, “I want and I smoke, when I no longer want to, I quit smoking”.
In fact, the use of psychoactive substances is neither a love story nor has anything to do with romance. Unfortunately, desire alone is not enough to overcome addiction, and in practice, “when I want to, I will give up” very rarely happens. All illusory thoughts that exist about a psychoactive substance originate from addiction. Physiological dependence is “the process by which an organism becomes accustomed to and dependent on a given substance as a result of its chronic use.” As a result of physiological addiction changes in brain function, addiction affects perception, memory and behavior. Psychological dependence is a “behavioral tendency that drives a person to use drugs.” Clearly, when addicted, it is superfluous to talk about your own choice and love of the object of addiction. Physical and psychological attitudes change a person’s thoughts/attitudes towards an object and also change the behavior accordingly. When an addicted person is unable to take a substance, he experiences strong discomfort and tries by all means to obtain it.
To return to the question – why does a person become addicted? Why does he start tasting the substance? There are different theories.
I will single out a few factors:
Biological: One of the hypotheses as to why drugs are consumed is based on the fact that people inherit a substance addiction attitude. Studies on families and identical twins have shown that sometimes, several members of one family become addicted to a substance, although this theory does not rule out a strong environmental factor and its impact on the individual.
Psychological: Behavioral psychology treats behavior as a reaction to a stimulus. Almost all behaviors are taught, and learning is based on what the person receives as a result of the behavior – reward or punishment. In other words, if the intake of a particular substance was followed by the satisfaction of certain needs, it is likely to increase the likelihood of a recurrence of the behavior.
Cognitive psychology, which studies cognitive processes (perception, sensation, thinking, memory, etc.), says that human thoughts/cognitions are related to oneself and the world, including dependence on psychoactive substances. For example, the pattern of thinking – “Cigarettes will make you more confident and I will have many friends”, may lead to tobacco addiction.
Personality psychology links substance abuse to a person’s personality traits. Eysenck (Eysenck, 1997) believed that psychoticism, neuroticism, and extraversion were associated with the development of addiction. Psychoticism is characterized by aggression, egocentrism, impulsivity. Neuroticism is characterized by moodiness, anxiety, and irritability. Extraversion involves positive emotions, socialization. Some studies have confirmed the correlation between these personality traits and attitudes, although we can not say that extroverts are uniquely prone to develop this or that attitude. There is also a theory that a person who avoids existing existence, responsibility and gravity, can not find meaning, seeks “relief” in various substances.
There is no definite answer to the question – why a person starts consuming psychoactive substances. In a particular case, experimentation, environmental and societal influences, availability or other factor(s) may be crucial. Also, we can not say with certainty that an impulsive and egocentric, or anxious person has a uniquely high predisposition to drug use.
The question – why does a person continue to take psychoactive substances even though they sometimes realizes its harmful effects, the answer is in the nature of addiction. Continues to consume as it depends on the object of addiction psychologically and in some cases, even physically. Physical dependence manifests itself in the form of withdrawal syndrome. For example, after quitting smoking, sometimes a person feels irritability, dizziness, weakness, coughing, etc. If the physical manifestation of withdrawal syndrome in the case of cigarettes lasts a maximum of 5 days, in the case of alcohol and drugs it is much more difficult and necessarily requires the supervision of specialists
Addiction coping mechanisms
Cognitive-behavioral psychology is considered to be one of the most effective ways to overcome and treat addiction today. This approach is based on the assumption that a person’s beliefs and thoughts have a great influence on his behavior, therefore, to change the harmful behavior, we need to change the harmful thoughts/beliefs that cause it. For example, in the case of tobacco dependence, the most optimal treatment is to use a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Pharmacotherapy sometimes doubles the chances of overcoming addiction. In case of drug and alcohol dependence, there are several treatment options: detoxification, replacement therapy (methadone and buprenorphine), psycho-social rehabilitation. In the case of treatment with psychoactive substances, the duration of the rehabilitation itself is important, which increases the chances of remission. Addiction is characterized by relapses, which can manifest as severe stress, depression, or anxiety, so long-term rehabilitation is crucial.
To overcome addiction, group psychotherapy is often used, where people have the opportunity to share their own experiences. Also, sharing someone else’s experience provides additional reflection and helps in the healing process. After being released from addiction, people often involve themselves in the process of helping others, which is beneficial for the former addict and for the patients as well.
To overcome the addiction, it is necessary to go through consistent stages. The treatment is multi-layered and complex depending on the object of dependence and the severity of the addiction.
Here are some ways to help you overcome addiction:
Decision Making – Overcoming any addiction begins with making a decision that is preceded by a desire to overcome the addiction. Decision making itself plays a role of one of the strongest motivators in the process of surrender and rehabilitation. The stronger the decision, the greater the chance of achieving the goal.
Motivation – Work on your self-confidence before taking concrete steps. Remember the successful and accomplished goals of the past when you did your best to achieve them even though you thought it was impossible. Writing down your own motivators is important. Strong motivation can be your own health, well-being of family members, etc. However, the more specific we are about motivation, the better. For example, “I will be able to exercise better”, “I will sleep fully and peacefully”, “I will not be bothered by pain”, etc.
Addiction Planning – Planning is one of the most important stages and involves finding information about your addiction (how it affects your physical and mental health, what kind of harm it does in particular), setting a specific date (for example in case of smoking cessation) and developing specific remedies or triggers. (This may include a variety of exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, walking, etc.)
Visualization – Imagine and see yourself as an addicted person. How do you behave in a particular situation? How do you feel? A necessary condition is to imagine yourself as happy/free. Practice similar visualizations often.
Identify Misleading Thoughts – For years you have used the object of addiction as a coping mechanism. In fact, it is not a coping mechanism and a positive attitude towards it is only in our imagination, which is reinforced by both external factors (such as the established notion that cigarettes/alcohol/other substances help us deal with stress) as well as habitual levels. Find reliable information, observe yourself, and other dependent people. Illusory thoughts are replaced by information based on facts.
Choosing a date and stopping using a psychoactive substance on a scheduled date – for some, overcoming addiction is relatively easy, while for others it is very difficult. The situation is complicated by past experiences and failed attempts. It is important not to cling to past failures and try again and again, because each time we have more experience, we are more informed and firm. Get help from professional and close people. If it is possible to quit smoking on your own, in the case of a heavy drug it is necessary to involve specialists in the relevant field.
Be vigilant during rehabilitation – After stopping substance use, you may be reminded of negative thoughts and triggers. The trigger can be of different types: stress, anxiety, socialization, stressful situations, specific people, etc. Identify the thoughts about the desire first and block them immediately. Do not allow them to be impacted. Replace them with positive thoughts. There are plenty of benefits to taking as a result of quitting addiction. You can write them down and always remember them when a trigger or negative thought bothers you.
Getting help and support from specialists and relatives – it is often necessary to involve specialists in overcoming addiction and this requires the mobilization of financial and other resources. It is also important to support people close to you. Often our loved ones do not understand and do not know how to help us and think that the phrases “Quit smoking!” Or “Stop drinking!” Help an addicted person. If our family member is dependent, we can support them by saying things like, “I know it’s hard, but I’m there for you,” “You can count on me,” and “I can help you as much as I can.” Sometimes even simple listening makes life easier for a person. Talk honestly with people you trust about attitudes and emotions, and tell them what kind of support would be helpful to you at a particular moment.
Addiction can be overcome, but it requires some work. Release from a psychoactive substance is not a one-time act, but rather a process in which a person goes through each stage sequentially and repeatedly until the goal is achieved.
Addiction prevention
Prevention The English word “prevention” comes and translates as problem prevention. Distinguish between universal (primary), targeted (secondary) and selective (selective) prevention.
Primary or universal prevention means prevention for the general population, communities, etc. For example, teaching about psychoactive substances in school, parenting activities so that the child does not start using drugs. From the age of 10-12, it is possible to talk to children about the harms and risks of substances, and before that, as a result of proper educational work, drug resistance should be established. Secondary or targeted prevention involves identifying and intervening in problems related to the use of psychoactive substances. It involves identifying the causes of addiction and working on them. Selective prevention involves selecting and working with high-risk groups of drug addicts. Prevention should involve the family as well as the school, the community and the state. Each of these rings creates a significant unity in the form of prevention.
Prevention is the most important stage, because the psychoactive substances tested in adolescence often contribute to the formation of addiction in adulthood and often remain addicted to this or that substance for the rest of their lives. Due to the complexity of the addiction, the ways to solve the problem are also multifaceted. Prevention involves the development of specific skills, values and beliefs in children, as well as raising the qualification of teachers in terms of addictions. Reducing the availability of psychoactive substances/products and introducing and cultivating a healthy lifestyle in schools.
References:
- Bekaia N. (2021). Homophobia – Fear, disgust, myths and reality https://queer.ge/Articles/Details/15
- Gugushvili N. (2016). Psychological attitude. Electronic Dictionary-Reference in Social Sciences. Tbilisi: Center for Social Sciences. Retrieved 29.09.2021 http://dictionary.css.ge/content/psychological-dependence
- Khechuashvili L. (2016). Psychoactive substances. Electronic Dictionary-Reference in Social Sciences. Tbilisi: Center for Social Sciences. Retrieved 29.09.2021 http://dictionary.css.ge/content/psychoactive-drugs
- Khechuashvili L. (2016) .Attitude. Electronic Dictionary-Reference in Social Sciences. Tbilisi: Center for Social Sciences. Retrieved 29.09.2021 http://dictionary.css.ge/content/attitude
- Khechuashvili L. (2016). Physiological dependence. Electronic Dictionary-Reference in Social Sciences. Tbilisi: Center for Social Sciences. Retrieved 29.09.2021 http://dictionary.css.ge/content/physiological-dependence
- Research on the use of psychoactive substances in the general population. (2015). NCDC https://test.ncdc.ge/Handlers/GetFile.ashx?ID=f44c364d-a2f4-462b-a82a-bc952a8e50b9
- Javakhishvili J. (2011). Prevention of drug use. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Darejan-Javakhishvili/publication/303738751_Drug_Abuse_Prevention_Manual_for_School_Personnel_in_Georgian_language/links/5750251d08ae5c7e547a8af5Dan-Page
- Alcohol consumption statistics. 2019 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Alcohol_consumption_statistics
- Maree Teesson et.al (2011). Theories of addiction: Causes and maintenance of addiction. Theories of addiction: Causes and maintenance of addiction.
- Long-term drug addiction effects. American Addiction Centers. https://drugabuse.com/addiction/long-term-effects/
- Substance Use and SUDs in LGBTQ * Populations. National InstiTute on Drug abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbtq-populations
- 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual (LGB) Adults. (2019). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt31104/2019NSDUH-LGB/LGB%202019%20NSDUH.pdf
Illustrations:
- https://www.statnews.com/2021/05/03/people-recover-from-addiction-they-also-go-on-to-do-good-things/
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On December 9, in connection with the International Human Rights Day, the Tbilisi Human Rights House held an event to discuss the challenges and needs of Georgian human rights defenders.
An award ceremony for the winners of the Lekso’s Award was also held at the event. The award will be annual and will honor journalists who strive to protect human rights through their professional activities.
The award ceremony was chaired by Baia Pataraia, Human Rights Defender and Chairperson of the Tbilisi Human Rights House. He said the idea of establishing the award arose after the tragic events of July 5th.
“I am glad that the idea of establishing this award arose, despite the fact that the idea of establishing Lekso Lashkarava’s award echoed after the events of July 5, when about 50 journalists were attacked, verbally and physically abused for covering human rights violations. Journalists working on human rights abuses often become targets themselves, which is to blame for government and police inaction. An example of this is the events of July 5, which caused a great loss. In order to honor the name of Lekso Lashkarava, we have decided to establish this award,” said Baia Pataraia.
The Lekso’s Prize nominees were revealed in two categories:
Best Human Rights Video Report:
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- Keti Nadibaidze – Formula TV;
- Guga Maisuradze – “TV Pirveli”;
- Tornike Mandaria and Davit Koridze – “Radio Liberty”.
The winners of the Lexus Prize were Radio Liberty journalists Tornike Mandaria and Davit Koridze, for the story – Superstition and Pride, which reflected on the July 5 preparatory period and developments.
Tornike Mandaria says that human rights are the cornerstone of journalism and he hopes that their story will bring about beneficial changes.
“Journalism is complicated all over the world, but in our region and in Georgia, where the state of the media has never been even close to ideal, today there are especially difficulties. We have to deal with social stigmas, restrictions on access to public information, attacks by the authorities and attempts to discredit. And on July 5, when we were at the forefront of defending equality and freedom of expression, we became the target of a massive physical attack. Human rights are a cornerstone of journalism, and I hope that seeing the footage we have been exposed to in the face of physical injury will soon bring shame and empathy to many people,” Tornike Mandaria said in a statement.
The second category of the Lekso’s Award included the best human rights articles. Among the nominees we saw regional media representatives whose work reflected the challenges facing LGBTQI + people and children’s rights.
Nominees for Best Human Rights Article 2021:
- Lisa Torosyan – Aliq Media;
- Nino Vartapetiani – TV Company “Borjomi”;
- Gulgun Mamedkhanova – OC Media.
The winner of the award was Nino Vartapetiani, a journalist of Borjomi TV. The article was about anxiety and depression in children, which was exacerbated by the pandemic reality.
Nino Vartapetiani spoke about the process of preparing the article.
“It is a great honor and motivation to work with more diligence on human protection materials. Children’s mental health in a pandemic is a problem that is not visible on the surface. There is a shortage of psychologists and social workers in the regions, working on these communities. I tried to conduct research, I was interviewed by psychologists working in this field, and according to the respondents, I was better able to present the problem, ”said Nino Vartapetiani in her speech.
Nino Vartapetiani told us that the existence of such a prize is an appreciation of the human rights media and an additional motivation.
“This award will increase the motivation for journalists who are already working in the field of human rights to cover more issues that may not be visible on the surface. Assessing the aspirations and challenges faced by the human rights media will bring about positive change, including encouraging regional media, which will face far greater challenges at times. You need a lot of work in the regions to highlight the essence of the problem, there is a lot of resistance,” said a journalist from Borjomi TV.
The Lekso’s Prize will be an annual award honoring the work of media professionals who work in the field of human rights and strive to bring challenges to a large audience.
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Sivan also wrote 2 new songs for the film. The author, director and executive producer of the film is Gerad Frieder. The cast consists of Vivek Kalra, Brian Tue, Ellen Berstein and others.
For the 26-year-old singer, who openly said in 2013 that he was gay, this would not be his first role. Sivan is starring in the 2018 film – Boy Erased – and has also been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Soundtrack.
Source: People
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