POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 93 About stigma Overdoserelated deaths and other harms are affecting our friends, families and communities. Addiction is not a choice. It is a treatable medical condition yet many people affected by addiction face stigma. Stigma is negative attitudes, beliefs or behaviours about or towards a group of people because of their situation in life. It includes discrimination, prejudice, judgment and stereotypes, which can isolate people who use drugs. Stigma makes it harder to reach out for help We can make it easier for people to get support by letting them know they are not alone, and that substance use does not define who they are. Addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a choice. Stigma matters People who use drugs, especially those struggling with addiction face discrimination and barriers to getting help. Stigma can: • 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 Addiction is not a choice There is a common misconception that addiction is a choice and that people can stop using drugs when they want to. Addiction is complex. People develop addictions because of many reasons, including: • events in life, especially trauma and chronic stress • environmental factors • mental wellbeing (emotions, thoughts, feelings, and mental illness) • genetics and biology Some people try drugs once or use them occasionally. Others use drugs more often, sometimes to try to cope with trauma or pain. No matter the reason, no one chooses to become addicted. Addiction and physical dependence make it hard to stop using drugs even when it's hurting you or people in your life. Recovery is possible but it looks different for everyone. The three types of stigma Self stigma • happens when someone internalizes negative messages about people who use drugs and apply them to themselves • can lead to low selfesteem and feelings of shame • can cause someone to not access support because they fear being judged or discriminated against • can cause someone to hide their drug use or use drugs alone Social stigma • negative attitudes or behaviours towards people who use drugs or towards their friends and family members Stigma Around Drug Use www.freepik.com continued
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==