Make the connection. Have the conversation. Stop the stigma.
Understand the facts.
Decriminalization helps people stay safer.
Often, people are unable to access life-saving supports and services because they are worried about being arrested or having their drugs seized if they reach out. By decriminalizing people who use small amounts of drugs, BC aims to break down barriers that prevent people from getting help. Learn more about decriminalization.
Addiction is a complex health condition.
Addiction is not a choice. It’s a complex health condition. People experiencing addiction haven’t failed, and neither have their families.
Why do people use substances? What leads to addiction? People use drugs for many different reasons, such as childhood or intergenerational trauma, physical pain or injury, or mental health challenges. Every person’s story is unique.
Compassionate connections help people experiencing addiction.
Having an addiction does not mean someone is broken. People experiencing addiction may feel disconnected and alone. Tough love can push people farther away.
People who use drugs and people and people with substance use disorders deserve kindness and compassion. Showing your support is not enabling their addiction.
Stigma hurts people.
“Stigma” refers to negative beliefs we hold that aren’t based on facts. To stigmatize a person is to exclude them or shame them based on our incorrect beliefs. We may treat them as outsiders, as unimportant or even as immoral and deserving of punishment. When we stigmatize people, we discourage them from seeking help or support.
The stigma around addiction can cause people to feel shame or blame. It can also cause people to hide their drug use, which increases their chance of toxic drug injury or death. But this stigma is changing. More and more people understand that addiction is a complex health condition and not a moral failing.
The stigma around addiction is changing. Learn about ways to support your loved ones who are experiencing addiction.
BC Lions alumni Travis Lulay and Geroy Simon want men to know that it’s time to support one another. There is strength in opening up and talking about what you’re going through.
Vancouver Canucks alum Chris Higgins talks about the impact of stigma and what we can do.
