Ending Stigma

• lead a person to avoid getting help because they are afraid of judgement or getting in trouble with work, their loved ones or even the law

• cause a person to hide their drug use or use drugs alone

• affect a person’s ability to find housing and jobs, which affects their health and quality of life

• contribute to people who use drugs receiving a lower quality of care from the healthcare system when they access services

1. Self stigma happens when someone internalizes messages about people who use drugs and apply them to themselves

2. Social stigma is negative attitudes or behaviours towards people who use drugs or towards their friends and family

3. Structural stigma is policies in health and social services that increase stigma and barriers to getting help

The language you use has a direct and deep impact on people around you. You can reduce stigma by changing the words you use to talk about drug use. Using kind words can make it easier for someone to speak up, to feel understood or to receive help.

• Use person-first language, for example say ‘person who uses drugs’ instead of ‘drug user’

• Use neutral, medically accurate words when describing drug use.

Take these important steps to help reduce stigma:

• do not define any person by their drug use

• be respectful, compassionate and caring to those who use drugs

• educate your friends and family—pass on facts and challenge stereotypes

• remember that addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a choice, and is deserving of care just like any other medical condition

• be aware of your attitudes and behaviours because they may be influenced by stereotypes, negative stories and images about people who use drugs