Breaking stigma helps remove barriers
Many people with addictions go to great lengths to hide their substance use. They often make these choices due to fear of judgment by family, friends, and people in the community. For this reason, they often choose to use alone, putting them at higher risk of overdose or harm.
What can help? By meeting people where they are right now, rather than with judgment or expectations about where they should be, you can help break the stigma. Your words matter. Encouragement and support can help people struggling with addictions choose to seek treatment, and access services and resources that can point them toward better mental health and wellness.
Share this Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions (CCSA) video with family, friends, and colleagues. Let them know their words can have a negative impact on all aspects of treatment for people struggling with addictions. It shouldn’t matter if people are sober or drug-free – everyone deserves health care and to be treated with dignity.