Campaign seeks to avoid stigma from problem drug use

A national campaign highlighting the damage caused by the stigma of problem drug and alcohol use is being launched by the Scottish Government today.

Television and newspaper adverts, and posters on billboards, will emphasise that a drug or alcohol problem is a health condition, and that labelling individuals affected as “addicts”, “junkies” or similar can have a devastating effect on their ability to seek and access help and support.

Ministers want people to see the personal story behind the stereotype. Their intention is that by addressing stigma, and the silence and alienation it causes, they make it easier for people to seek help, which would benefit the whole community.

A web page on NHS Inform will support the campaign with further information on how the public can help tackle the problem. It suggests using terms such as “problematic substance [or drug] use” or “harmful alcohol use”, and sets out how people can commit to a Stigma Charter to treat people with dignity and respect and support those in recovery.

Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance commented: “Stigma is damaging not only to the individual in terms of their mental health and sense of self-worth, but it also discourages them from coming forward to get the help they need. It also impacts on friends and family members.

“We must remember that people with a substance use problem are family members, neighbours, friends and colleagues.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd added: “We want to make it easy for people to ask for help. We know that passing judgment on people who are looking for help and support can harm their recovery. When people are seeking help with alcohol and drugs, kindness and compassion saves lives.”