Drug related stigma

What is it?

Stigma can present itself in many ways.

Social or public stigma often shows up as negative stereotypes or discriminatory beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors towards a person or group of people based on the idea that their characteristics do not fall in line with societal norms. This is known as social or public stigma.

Internalizing of these attitudes and beliefs is called self-stigma.

Many people who use substances experience the impacts of stigma and it will often discourage people who want treatment seeking it.​

For people who use drugs – stigma affects their relationships with families, employers, educators, health care providers, landlords and perhaps most deeply – themselves. The effects of stigma can happen from the anticipation of stigma and judgment alone.

Implications for service providers

It is important for service providers to look at how they can work to reduce stigma within their role. Take note of any bias in their work (including unintentional) and challenge those biases by looking for new strategies to have more productive and authentic relationships with clients.

​Drug-related stigma leads to fear/anticipation of mistreatment, which can keep people who use drugs from accessing services. This can happen regardless of actual mistreatment.

Health Canada’s Stop Stigma Video: English, French

Understanding substance use

Audio series on opioids: In Plain Sight

"In Plain Sight" is a Health Canada audio series that explores the personal stories of people affected by the opioid crisis. We are facing a national opioid crisis. It’s affecting our friends, family and community members. While there are thousands of stories to be told, this audio series introduces you to just some of the voices of those affected by one of the most serious national public health crises in recent years, happening in plain sight.
Click here to listen

Moments to Milestones

The video Moments to Milestones was created by Fraser Health, in partnership with Sources Community Resource Centres.

It is an educational tool for first responders. It highlights specific behaviours and actions, that while they seem simple, can have a deep and long-lasting effect on people who use substances and people in crisis: these simple actions are, a caring tone of voice, kind gestures, eye contact, thoughtfulness, and respect.

Many of the people who first responders are dealing with have never experienced this type of kind treatment. Their lives have been marked by judgement, hostility, and blame. The stories shared throughout the video serve as poignant reminders that these people feel discarded and abandoned, ashamed and remorseful. Any person or situation that implies more rejection or alienation only serves to further embed those feelings, and push people back to substance use and self-harm.