Host Compassionate Conversations on Addiction in Your Home

On April 21st, Michael Hebb and Angel Grant launched a project titled "Drugs Over Dinner" to begin facilitating compassionate conversations around the country on the issues of addiction and substance use. Drugs Over Dinner is a toolkit to help people plan, host and moderate a dinner table conversation on these health issues among kids, parents, those in recovery, those still in the grip of addiction, people that have never taken a drug, citizens interested in policy reform and even people who want the status quo to remain.

Hebb personally believes in the power of the table to spark in-depth conversation. A social entrepreneur and former restaurateur, he has made a career out of bringing people together to have honest and unfiltered discussions on difficult topics. His last dinner campaign was called "Death Over Dinner", focusing on end-of-life issues. Death Over Dinner was covered nationally and internationally, with more than 100,000 dinners planned.

These dinners offer participants a safe atmosphere where everyone gets to say something and be heard. Gathering around a table to share both a meal and stories about drugs and addiction in America can build compassion, empathy and connection between participants. Drugs Over Dinner fosters the realization that this health issue is of everyone’s concern, not just those who suffer from addiction or engage in drug use. While the dinner itself is a brief, one-night occasion, it creates an introspective consideration of these issues that will make a lasting impression on the participants that extends beyond the table.

If you are interested in hosting one of these dinners either with friends, family, colleagues or members of your community, please visit the website http://drugsoverdinner.org. The website has a step by step process that will assist you in planning your dinner. Once you host your dinner, ASAM would be thrilled if you shared with us how your night went!

Tweet @ASAMorg or post on the ASAM Facebook page to get a conversation going about your experience with Drugs Over Dinner. Or email an outline of how your night went to pubs@asam.org.

Thank you for the work that you do not only as a medical professional, but also as an engaged member of your community. We look forward to hearing about your experience as a Drugs Over Dinner host!