Stigma Matters In The Fight Against Meth
Submitted By Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee
Stigma is a term used to describe negative attitudes, behaviors or beliefs directed or about a group of people because of their situation in life.
It can look like discrimination, judgment, stereotypes or prejudice about people who use substance, such as crystal methamphetamine.
The language we use has a direct and deep impact on the people who are struggling and when we become more informed about substance use disorder, we can help address barriers and discrimination that might get in the way of an affected individual getting help.
Crystal meth substance use disorder can happen to anyone, regardless of socio-economic status, gender, race, or age.
There’s a common myth that addiction is a choice and people can stop using drugs if they want.
The truth is that substance use disorder is a health issue that often has roots in trauma, chronic stress, environmental factors, mental health and/or genetics. This disorder causes a person to not be able to control the impulse to use the substance, even when the consequences are harmful or negative.
We might wonder why someone would even try using drugs in the first place, but whatever the reason or how the substance use disorder was developed, none of the individuals chooses to become addicted. When we look at it in this way, we understand that it is a treatable medical condition that is deserving of care in the same way as any other health condition.
By treating substance use disorder as a treatable medical condition, we can make it easier for individuals to reach out for support. Systemic discrimination and unintentional barriers can make it difficult for a person affected by substance use disorder to come forward for help; therefore, making it hard to move into a supported recovery.
There are three types of stigma:
(1) Self stigma – when individuals internalize negative messages about people who use drugs which may lead to low self esteem and feelings of shame. This can cause someone to fear accessing support as they believe they might be judged or discriminated against. It might also lead to individuals using drugs alone or hiding their drug use.
(2) Social stigma – generally negative attitudes or behaviors in society towards people who use drugs or their family members/friends. This includes talking about addiction as a choice and the negative portrayal in daily conversations or media about people with substance use disorder.
(3) Structural stigma – when health, social services, workplace and other policies unintentionally might cause barriers to service or recovery support.
How can I help?
We can all contribute to decreasing stigma by learning more about the effect of crystal meth on the brain and how it impacts behavior, passing on the facts and challenging stereotypes, being aware of our own attitudes and behaviors, and being compassionate toward individuals who are affected.
By increasing awareness of the stigma surrounding people who use substances and shifting language to more accurately reflecting the nature of the health condition, we can all help to create a community of support and healing.
Two recommended resources include:
stigma-why-words-matter.pdf (canada.ca)
Overcoming Stigma: Online Learning | Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (ccsa.ca) -
Sources: Health Canada; Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction; and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Who are we?
The Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee is a network of several human service organizations and community members that are interested in promoting awareness on the dangers and preventing the use of crystal meth. 2021 is the year to ‘SPREAD THE WORD ON METH’ and the committee is asking for assistance from community members.