Substance Use Health
Resources for Safer, More Compassionate and Non-Stigmatizing Language
The Substance Use Health Workgroup (MHASUH Project Team) of the Great River Ontario Health Team has created a toolkit featuring an infographic, posters, and email templates that your organization can use to promote safer, more compassionate, and non-stigmatizing language. Join us in adopting person-first, neutral and medically accurate language related to substance use health.
Additional resources:
People-First Language: Substance Use Disorder and Stigma
Click here to access the resource (1 page)
Stigma: Why Words Matter
Click here to access the resource (2 pages)
Overcoming Stigma Through Language: A Primer
Click to access the resource (15 pages)
Communicating about Substance Use in Compassionate, Safe and Non-Stigmatizing Ways
Click here to access the resource (20 pages)
Resources were selected based on the criteria that they were created by reputable Canadian organizations in discussion with people with lived or living experience, align with other documents on this topic, including the substance use health spectrum, provide examples without being text heavy and are available in English and French.
Stigma can be in the form of language that shames and belittles people. Stigma is any attitude, belief or behaviour that discriminates against people.
It can:
- make a person feel shame that stops them from seeking help
- isolate people and make them feel like their life doesn’t matter
- affect the quality of and access to services, housing, employment, and impact other social determinants of health
These problems can be addressed and prevented. Your organization can help.
Using safer, more compassionate and non-stigmatizing language when describing substance use or people who use substances is a good place to start.
We are calling on all member organizations of the Great River Ontario Health Team to adopt person-first, neutral and medically accurate language related to substance use health.
Words matter.
Person-first, neutral and medically accurate language can help reduce stigma. It’s critical that health professionals and their organizations reflect on the language used when communicating:
- internally: be self-reflective and aware of personal biases
- with the public: review website, promotional, and social media content
- with patients/clients: recognize that self-labels often reflect internalized/self stigma – the use of self-labels does not give “permission” to adopt labels or make it okay to “correct” someone for how they self-identify
It’s not only about clients.
Supporting the substance use health of employees is equally important and is key to workplace health. Learn why.
Reducing stigma and discrimination requires a multifaceted approach – beyond language.
The Organizational Assessment Tool for Substance Use and Stigma can help identify factors that contribute to stigma. It can assist in developing strategies for reducing stigma and building policies and practices that are supportive and inclusive for staff, volunteers and individuals seeking care.
CAPSA’s Healthy Workplace Services offer innovative tools and expert guidance to help organizations improve and implement practices regarding substance use health. Consultations and presentation are complimentary. Further services are at a cost.