How we helped challenge stigma around drugs and alcohol
Our work with Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council will support a campaign to reduce myths, and improve understanding, around drug and alcohol use. This will ensure residents, carers and professionals can access tools and information to help them support people facing drug and/or alcohol-related issues. This will include the creation of a new website.
More than 100 people shared their views with us and 68% told us they felt judged - or treated differently - because of their substance use. They said they felt stigmatised, humiliated, belittled and this had a significant impact on their confidence and self-worth. Some also told us they felt isolated and excluded from society.
They highlighted that there were many misconceptions surrounding addiction, many of which did not take into account just how difficult it was to stop. These included public perceptions that substance use was a choice, or not acknowledging that the addiction was often related to underlying trauma or mental health issues.
Suggestions for the campaign and new website
Our research showed that the new campaign should feature methods that had been effective at getting the attention of those struggling with alcohol or drug use, so that it would reach the most people. These methods could include conversations with real people in news articles and videos, social media posts, website information, posters and online workshops.
Respondents were also asked how the campaign should help educate the public, so they could better support people facing drug and/or alcohol challenges. Suggestions included advertising, TV campaigns, social media and posters; using different language so that drug and/or alcohol challenges were not seen as a choice or moral failing; sharing stories and successes from people with a lived experience; education and promotion of services and support available including for loved ones.
What happens now?
Public Health have responded positively to our findings and are planning how to incorporate these into the development of their new campaign and website, which will be launching in Spring 2025.
