Dealing with the stigma of drugs: A guide for journalists

Most people don’t use drugs and don’t approve of drug abuse. But is someone who is drug dependent an out of control “junkie” slipping ever deeper into despair and degradation or a ‘heroin user’, in control of his or her use of an illegal substance leading what to the outside world is considered a“normal” life?

Both descriptions may fit and either candidate could be as desperate to overcome a powerful habit as much as any reformed alcoholic or someone desperate to give up smoking.

The award of a deviant social status to drug users may serve to discourage use but it does little to assist those most in need of help. Studies have consistently shown that perceived devaluation and worthlessness on behalf of the user does little to spur them towards recovery. The ‘shame’ of addiction is a reason why people with drug problems – and their families – often do not seek help.

Widespread stigma remains a barrier to recovery for drug users. And the media can help – just as it has had a positive influence on public understanding of the problems of stigma associated with mental illness, disabilities and poverty.

Whether used consciously or lazily, certain words continue to imply a moral judgment in an era when the explosion of digital technologies has created a bigger platform than ever before for education.

The UK Drug Policy Commission identified that, aside from being consistently distasteful and backward, negative connotations attached to the term ‘junkie” made it more difficult to encourage addicts to join rehabilitation programmes. ‘Getting serious about stigma’ found that more than twothirds of the sample agreed that we have a responsibility to provide the best possible care for people with drug dependence.

Newspapers and broadcasters, now more than ever, can set new benchmarks for recovering drug addicts to throw off the stigma and overcome the dependencies that prevent them leading full and valued lives.

With the badge of the Society of Editors on the front page, this simple, practical guide does not seek to criticise the media or tell editors and journalists what to think or say or write. David Seymour has mastered the issues and presents the facts to help journalists report accurately and objectively so that stigma born of ignorance can be replaced with proper understanding and support for drug users who want to help themselves.

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