Stigma and Education Resources
Frequently asked questions
1) Overcoming Stigma Through Language: A Primer
Language impacts the way people see themselves and how they are treated. Stigmatizing language around substance use often implies that related harms are due to personal choice or moral failing of the individual.
When speaking about substance use, try using person-first and objective language such as
person who uses drugs
person with lived experience of substance use
substance use disorder
2) Reflecting on Stigma Worksheet
Developed by the Community Addictions Peer Support Association, this worksheet provides reflective prompts to support community members ability to understand substance use related stigma.
3) Understanding Substance Use Health: A Matter of Equity
The purpose of this resource is to introduce a new concept of Substance Use Health that meets the needs of people where they are and is free of stigma. To achieve equitable access to healthcare programs, services, and supports and evidence based information related to substance use health and substance use disorder. This resource aims to:
- Define Substance Use Health through a newly established common understanding and standard;
- Inform a national conversation on how Substance Use Health can destigmatize substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) and advance health system-level innovation in the care of clients and the treatment of individuals; and
- Establish the All People All Pathways approach as a public health model that is barrier-free, client partnered and works within a spectrum model of Substance Use Health.
4) Community Addictions Peer Support Association Youtube Channel
1) Stigma Primer for Journalists
This resource provides a guide to better reporting on substance use and the people it impacts.