Understanding Stigma: Promoting inclusive attitudes and practice

Our training attracts attendees from a wide range of sectors and we encourage active participation in our sessions through group discussions and by inviting individuals to offer comments on issues relevant to their role. If you have any concerns about participating within this interactive format please highlight this in the additional needs section of the booking form. 

Overview 

Stigma can have a profound impact upon the lives of people who use alcohol and other drugs or those who have a history of substance use. The impact of stigma can permeate numerous aspects of a person’s life such as their health and wellbeing, relationships, education and employment prospects and socioeconomic status. 

Commonly, family, friends, service providers and institutions often place numerous expectations on people who use substances to engage in change behaviour, however, the social context that creates and perpetuates the cycle of stigma is rarely considered or challenged. Through developing a greater awareness of the wider context that the cycle of stigma fosters and exploring our own role in reinforcing and challenging stigma, participants can identify new approaches for fostering enhanced relationships with service users. 

Aim 

This one-day training will give participants a distinct set of knowledge and skills to help them understand and address alcohol and drug-related stigma. 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of the course you will be able to: 

• Describe the impact of stigma on people who use substances, people in treatment or in recovery from substance use 
• Recall language which de-stigmatises people affected by substance use. 
• Describe how stigma and discrimination impact on the quality and effectiveness of service delivery. 
• Identify institutional and structural stigma attached to people who use substances, people in treatment or in recovery from substance use.