CALL: 1800 172 076

REMOVING  STIGMA 

At QuIHN, we believe that stigma is a significant barrier to people seeking help and living their best lives. Whether related to substance use or other aspects of a person's identity, stigma can deeply impact individuals and communities. Here's what stigma is, how it affects people, and what we can do to challenge it.

WHAT IS STIGMA?

Stigma refers to a negative attribute or perception that causes people to think less of an individual or group. This judgment can lead to:

  • Loss of status, increased discrimination, and social isolation
  • Poorer health outcomes due to fear or difficulty accessing services like healthcare or housing
  • Strained relationships with friends, family, and the community

People can face stigma due to various aspects of their identity, including:

  • Race or ethnicity
  • Class
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Drug use or sexual behaviour
  • HIV status
  • Mental or physical health conditions

LANGUAGE MATTERS

How to Talk About Drug and Alcohol Use

The words we use can either challenge or reinforce stigma. Here’s a guide to using language that promotes respect and understanding:

❌  Avoid "Addict" 

✅  Use "Person who uses drugs (PWUD)" or "Person dependent on drugs."

❌  Avoid "Junkie" 

✅  Use "Person who injects drugs (PWID)"

❌  Avoid "Drug abuse" or "Substance abuse"

✅  Use "Substance use" or "Drug dependence."

❌  Avoid "Clean"

✅  Use "Sober" or "Abstinent"

Language is powerful. By using person-first language, we centre the individual and avoid defining them solely by their substance use.

The Intersection of Stigma, Inequality, and Social Determinants

Stigma related to substance use often intersects with other forms of discrimination, including:

  • Race/ethnicity
  • Sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Socioeconomic status
  • HIV status
  • History of incarceration
  • Poverty

Substance use should be understood within the broader context of these social inequalities. When multiple forms of discrimination compound stigma, it further marginalises individuals, making it even more difficult for them to access the services and support they need.

Challenging Stigma. What We Can Do

Challenging stigma requires action on both an individual and community level. Here are practical steps we can take to make a difference:

At the Individual Level

  • Examine your own biases: Reflect on where your assumptions and judgments come from and how they affect your views of others.
  • Be an active bystander: When you see or hear discriminatory behaviour, speak out against it.
  • Use appropriate language: Always put the person first—e.g., “person who uses substances” rather than “addict.”

At the Community Level

  • Centre the voices of people who use substances: Ensure that those with lived experience have a say in decisions that affect them.
  • Support advocacy efforts: Engage with campaigns and movements that advocate for the rights of people who use substances and challenge discriminatory policies.

TAKE  ACTION  

At QuIHN, we’re committed to removing stigma and promoting compassion and understanding. By educating ourselves and others, using respectful language, and advocating for change, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.