Addiction stigma is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking help for substance use disorder. As Canada’s largest national provider of care for substance use disorder and behavioural addiction, challenging stigma and false assumptions about drug use is central to what we do at CATC. Learn more about our approach to addiction treatment in Ontario.
As with any form of mental health issue, society is quick to judge people struggling with addiction based on myth and misinformation. Addiction makes them feel uncomfortable because they don’t understand it, which makes it harder to respond with compassion. Unfortunately, for many people, this stigma piles on top of other all too common discrimination based on housing status, income level, race, gender identity and sexuality.
The end result is that people don’t reach out for help because they’re afraid of the judgement they’ll face and, for people who use drugs, isolation can be deadly.
The Hidden Dangers of Addiction Stigma
Research shows that people who use drugs don’t just face judgement from their own social circles or society at large: they also encounter stigma within the health care system. Many doctors don’t want to take on patients with opioid use disorder, which is partly why so many of the people we serve don’t have a family physician. Not having access to primary care can be a major risk for anyone—especially someone who’s health and well-being are precarious due to homelessness, poverty and increased risks that come with drug use.
If you thought you’d be told no when you reached out for help, would you still do it? According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, stigma is consistently identified as one of the primary reasons people with substance use disorder delay or avoid seeking treatment.
Stigma is sneaky. It doesn’t have to be obvious. It can be as subtle as a label applied to a person (like “junkie” or “addict”) that takes away their humanity, or a passing judgmental comment that people with addiction are somehow “sketchy” or not “normal”.
The reality is that people living with addiction are as diverse as any other population. They come from different backgrounds, live different types of lives and all have their own unique story that led them to begin using substances or engaging in harmful behaviours. Often, but not always, addiction is the result of traumatic experiences or deep pain. It’s a disease, not a personality trait.
When we see the real people underneath the addiction, not just the behaviour, stigma begins to fall away.
How to Break Down Addiction Stigma and Be an Ally
There are small things you can do to challenge hurtful assumptions and misinformation about addiction, and be an ally for people who are living with it, whether or not they’re in recovery. It’s important to note that sobriety isn’t the goal for everyone. Many people in recovery just want to use their substance of choice safely, not quit entirely. This is an important distinction that is often overlooked when people talk about addiction.
Here are three simple things you can to do be an ally for people with addiction.
Use Person-First Language
Avoid using words that reinforce negative stereotypes around addiction and create labels that take away from the person underneath. And correct others when you hear them being used.
The most common words to avoid are:
- Addict
- Druggie
- Junkie
- Drunk
- User
These words put the focus on the addiction, rather than the person.
Instead, say:
- Person with/experiencing addiction
- Person who uses drugs
It’s a small change, but makes all the difference to the person on the receiving end of the words.
Learn more about addiction stigma from CAMH
Learn the facts
Stigmas around addiction come from a lack of education on the truth. There are many trustworthy sources of information on addiction and substance use disorder. Here are a few to get you started:
- Signs of an Opioid Overdose and What to Do When It Happens
- About opioid use treatment
- Health Canada
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
- CAMH
- BC Centre on Substance Use
- Connex Ontario
Show you care
If you suspect someone you know is experiencing addiction, reach out and let them know it’s safe to talk to you about it. One conversation can save a life.
Also, don’t make assumptions about their situation, or what they need. Ask questions and listen before offering advice or guidance. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference.
Most importantly, let them know that you’re not judging them, and that you’re a friendly face who wants to help.
If they do want help, point them toward local resources, like our treatment centres that offer same-day access to care, 365 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Stigma
Q: What is addiction stigma?
A: Addiction stigma refers to the negative attitudes, judgements, and stereotypes directed at people who use drugs or live with substance use disorder. It can come from individuals, communities, and even the healthcare system. Stigma makes people less likely to seek help and can worsen health outcomes.
Q: How does addiction stigma affect people seeking treatment?
A: Stigma is one of the most commonly cited reasons people delay or avoid seeking treatment for substance use disorder. Fear of judgement from family, employers, or healthcare providers can keep people from accessing care they need. According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, reducing stigma is essential to improving treatment access across Canada.
Q: What language should I use when talking about addiction?
A: Use person-first language that puts the individual before the condition. Say “person with a substance use disorder” or “person who uses drugs” rather than “addict,” “junkie,” or “druggie.” These small language choices reinforce that addiction is a health condition, not a character flaw.
Q: Is addiction a choice or a disease?
A: Addiction is recognized as a complex chronic health condition with biological, psychological, and social factors. It is not a moral failing or a choice. Organizations including CAMH and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction recognize addiction as a treatable medical condition.
Q: How can I support someone living with addiction without judgement?
A: Reach out and let them know it is safe to talk. Listen without offering unsolicited advice. Avoid assumptions about what they need or what recovery should look like for them. If they want help, connect them with local resources such as CATC’s same-day addiction treatment services.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you need help yourself or are concerned about someone else, Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres is here for you. We offer virtual addiction treatment available across Canada and inpatient programs in Ontario, with same-day access to care 365 days a year. Call us any time at 1-877-937-2282 or visit our addiction treatment page to learn more.