Professionals and community members can dramatically reduce alcohol and other drug stigma by rethinking how they speak and write about people who use or have used AOD, and by placing people – not their drug use – at the centre of communication.
Stigma has real and harmful impacts. It can make people feel unsafe, discourage them from seeking health and social services, and worsen health, employment and social outcomes. Families and friends of people who use AOD can also experience “courtesy stigma” by association.
The Power of Words Background Document project was developed to help tackle this issue, combining a literature review and extensive consultations with people who use or have used AOD. It highlights how stigma is perpetuated through language, health care, media, public attitudes, and government policy, and how shifting language and framing AOD use as a health and social issue can improve outcomes.
The guide and its associated materials provide practical, person-centred language recommendations for health, human services, media, education, and policy settings. Organisations are encouraged to adopt inclusive language in policies, communications, and daily practice, fostering a culture of empathy and reducing barriers to care.
This collaborative project was led by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Association of Participating Service Users, Harm Reduction Victoria and Penington Institute, and funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.