Turning Point has launched a campaign called Speaking Without Stigma to highlight the importance that language plays in supporting people.
About the guide
Speaking without stigma, a guide to reducing stigma in substance use through the language we use, which has been produced in collaboration with people supported by Turning Point, challenges words and phrases that can stigmatise people and suggests alternate options that put people first.
Supporting video series
The campaign also features a series of five short videos addressing the need to reduce stigma faced by people with challenges around drugs and alcohol.
Watch the full series on YouTube
Why language matters
The guide and videos aim to help colleagues across the sector and the general public to be more conscious of the fact that stigmatising language can have a negative impact on people who use drugs, such as affecting their self-worth, increasing their use of substances, isolating them and preventing them from seeking support.
Encouraging reflection, not policing language
The campaign is not about telling people what they can and can’t say but encouraging people to think about the possible impact language can have.
Examples of some of the words and phrases that have been identified in the guide include, ‘substance misuse or substance abuse’ which can be seen as judgemental and have negative connotations and has been replaced with ‘substance use’.
The term ‘drug addiction’ or ‘drug abuse’ has been replaced with ‘drug dependence’, whilst the phrase ‘person dependent on drugs’ replaces the negative terms ‘drug addict’ and ‘junkie’.
Turning Point’s commitment to change
Turning Point has made a concerted effort to challenge stigma with the language that is used across the organisation. This includes when communicating with people who use services, speaking with colleagues, when writing emails or reports, or in our external facing communications such as website or social media channels.
An example of this is the organisation’s decision to change the title of the business unit from Public Health and Substance Misuse (PHSM) to Public Health and Substance Use (PHSU).
Voices from the community
Lukas Oppegaard, a Turning Point peer support worker, was involved in the creation of the support pack. He said, ‘Language is so important to make sure people feel empowered and not judged. Some words and phrases around drugs and alcohol can feel really outdated and have an impact on how you feel about yourself – even if no malice is intended.
‘It’s been a really good exercise to work together to debate some of these phrases – and come up with alternatives. Not everyone will agree on language. What works for one person might not be right for someone else, but to have an awareness about the impact of words is really important.’
Nat Travis, national head of service at Turning Point, said, ‘We know that stigma is a significant barrier in seeking support around their drug and/or alcohol use. The negative stereotypes associated with substance use can be a barrier to treatment.
‘The language we use can stigmatise people without us even realising it which is why we want to encourage everyone to think about the impact of the words we use. Our aim is to create a more inclusive and destigmatising culture within services and the sector, as well as influencing wider communities.’
Download the Speaking without stigma guide here
This blog was originally published by Turning Point. You can read the original post here.
DDN magazine is a free publication self-funded through advertising.
We are proud to work in partnership with many of the leading charities and treatment providers in the sector.
This content was created by Turning Point