POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 95 • negative labels and images in everyday conversation and in the media • talking about addiction like it's a choice • judgement and discrimination from other people can lead to self stigma, and cause harm such as not reaching out for help or using drugs alone Structural stigma • policies in health and social services that increase stigma, such as not providing services until drug use is better managed • when healthcare providers or first responders do not take people affected by drug use seriously • workplace policies that cause harm and unintentionally encourage people to hide their drug use or prevent them from seeking help (example: unnecessary drug tests) • not connecting people with health or social services because of their drug use and lower quality of care when services are accessed Changing how you talk about drug use 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. You can: • use personfirst language, for example say 'person who uses drugs' instead of 'drug user' • use neutral, medically accurate words when describing drug use • avoid slang such as "addict" and "junkie" • use language that shows care and concern, rather than judgement • speak up when you hear someone being treated or talked to in a disrespectful way • use language that acknowledges and promotes the fact that recovery from addiction is possible, and looks different for everyone Help end stigma 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 www.canada.ca Stigma around drug use continued www.freepik.com
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