Stigma and people who use drugs Celia Tennant, Inspiring Scotland, Chair PADS Communities subgroup

Context Stigma continues to be a pervasive issue Role of PADS communities sub group Addressing stigma in relation to substance misuse Encouraging and supporting the development of recovery friendly communities 12 willing volunteers, one year of work Learning Action How can you help?

What’s our role? In relation to tackling stigma, the communities group will work with the PADS group and other sub groups to develop an action plan. We will explore the experience of stigma and its impact on individual and community progression in recovery. On the basis of this, the group will seek to discover, challenge and remove any institutional, legal and administrative discrimination that restricts those in recovery from more fully participating in society. The communities group will take a leadership role, however the support and leadership of all PADS members and stakeholders will be required for effective implementation and a change in the status quo.

What have we done? Meeting individuals and recovery communities across Scotland Listening to their experiences Reflecting Learning & Educating ourselves Stigma research & effective stigma interventions Developing an initial action plan

Types of Stigma Stigma refers to attitudes and emotional reactions whereas discrimination refers to the behavioural enactment of stigma. Stigma can manifest in different but intersecting ways: Public stigma occurs when the general population endorses negative stereotypes Structural stigma refers to institutional policies and practice which undermine opportunities for people and is experienced as inequity in terms of (for example) employment, housing, care. Stigma by association can be experienced by those who are in some way connected to an individual who has a stigmatised condition. Self-stigma is the internalisation of perceived stigma and is experienced by some individuals which can result in self-limiting behaviours and impede recovery.

What can be done to eradicate stigma? Changing attitudes and changing behaviour are important Two key approaches Education Social contact Combination of both See Me campaign instructive Portugal

Action plan 1. PADS Exec and all related groups should commit to a facilitated session to allow the space and time to have reflective discussion regarding stigma. 2. Given the anecdotal nature of the evidence given to the communities group we recommend PADS undertakes work to understand the experience of stigmatising attitudes and practices which may exist in Housing, Employment, Health, Social Care and other services. 3. The communities group will host a National gathering of recovery communities and key stakeholders and influencers on 1/9/17. We will listen, learn and gather evidence of stigma being experienced by people in addiction and recovery and that of their families. We’ll begin to co-create strategies to inform local, regional and national plans to address stigma. 4. Communities group and Police Scotland education and anti-stigma plan

What can you do to help? Stigma and anti-stigma approaches included in the Refresh of the Road to Recovery Contribute to the communities action plan Resources Ideas Join us on 1st September Thank you