11 November 2024

We are delighted to share the Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership’s Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) Strategic Plan (2024-2027). Our Strategic Plan is informed by our staff, those in the Borders with lived experience and other key partners and outlines our priorities for the next three years.

One of the ADP's key focuses over the next year will be addressing the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol use and how it prevents people from accessing life-saving help.

Stigma is when a person, or group of people, are seen in a negative way or myths are believed about them.

Drug and alcohol stigma:

  • stops people who need treatment and support from getting help as they feel judged or do not believe they deserve help
  • affects the friends and family of people struggling with alcohol or drug use
  • affects organisations and people who provide support

Stigma can impact groups of our population differently. For example, there are often specific challenges facing women and LGBTQ+ people seeking help for their alcohol or drug use.

Mothers and women in a care giving roles often find it particularly difficult to seek help for fear of judgement. They are more likely to experience social isolation and are more at risk of stigmatisation. LGBTQ+ people often face stigma and discrimination in many areas which can all lead to increased alcohol or drug use resulting in further stigma.

Issues with drug and alcohol use can occur for many reasons and is a health condition. We can all help by treating people with compassion and kindness, not judgement. The less people judge, the more chance those struggling will seek treatment and help to recover.

Language plays a significant role when speaking about or referring to people who use alcohol or drugs. Words can have a huge impact on how people view themselves and how others view them. You never know if someone or their loved one is struggling with drug use or alcohol and the way you speak about the topic may contribute to the stigma they are facing.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, NHS Borders Director of Public Health and Chair of the Scottish Borders ADP said: “We should all be working to challenge drug and alcohol stigma. Everyone in the Borders should be able to access the healthcare support they need without feeling shame, this includes support for drug and alcohol use.

“Speak up if people around you use stigmatising or judgemental language when speaking about those with a drug or alcohol problem. Anyone can be affected by problem substance use and together we can create a kinder and more understanding approach to those impacted.”

For more information on drug and alcohol stigma and how it affects our communities click here

 

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, support information is available here.