The Power of Listening: Patient Insights on Recovery
At Braeburn, we believe that truly meaningful progress begins with understanding the voices of those we serve. To deepen our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis, we recently hosted a forum dedicated to hearing directly from individuals who have faced opioid addiction. This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity to explore the most effective ways to communicate, support, and share information with others on similar journeys.
Listening with Purpose
Braeburn brought together patients with lived experience, offering a safe and open space for them to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. Their insights were profound and enlightening, highlighting gaps in understanding and opportunities to better address the needs of those impacted by opioid use disorder (OUD). By listening to these voices, we gained a deeper appreciation of the unique perspectives that can only come from firsthand experience.
Key Themes
During the discussions, several key themes emerged:
- Empathy in Communication: Patients emphasized the importance of using compassionate and nonjudgmental language when discussing addiction. Stigma continues to be a significant barrier to seeking help, and our communication strategies must reflect a tone of empathy and understanding.
- Creatively Sharing Personal Stories: Patients highlighted the power of sharing personal stories to foster connection and education. By sharing personal experiences, individuals in recovery can inspire hope, reduce stigma, and help others see that committing to recovery is possible.
- Motivation for Recovery: A meaningful discussion emerged around who and what inspired them to begin their recovery journey. Understanding these motivators can help shape programs and interventions that resonate with others facing similar challenges.
Moving Forward
The insights from the patients are continuing to shape how we approach our purpose of transforming the management of OUD.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people who shared their experiences and ideas with us. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against opioid addiction.