PowerPoint Slides (pdf) - Harm Reduction Coalition

Introductions Name Organization How do you interact with drug users?

Goals Identify and explore the reach of drugrelatedstigma. Name strategies for confronting drugrelatedstigma. Promote productive service provision thatavoids stigmatizing people who usedrugs.

Training Guidelines Step up, Step Back Non-Judgment Talk with each other, not at each other Agree to disagree Confidentiality

A few basic principles… Drug use exists along a continuum Abstinence is one of many possible goals Meet people “where they are at” Drug-related harm can not be assumed Drugs can meet important needsDrug users are more than their drug use

What is stigma?A social process which can reinforcerelations of power and control.Leads to status loss anddiscrimination for the stigmatized.- Link and Phelan

ACTIVITY: Forms of StigmaStigma from individualsInstitutional stigmaSelf-stigma (internalized)Stigma by association

Key Elements of Drug-Related StigmaBlame and moral judgmentCriminalizePathologizePatronizeFear and Isolate

Cycle of Drug-Related StigmaStigmaInternalized &ReinforcedStereotypes/LabelsLimitedOpportunitiesExpectations/RolesJulian Buchanan, Social Inclusion Unit, Glyndwr University,Wrexham, LL11 2AW

Implications for Providers Willingness to access services Relationships and trust Assumptions Participant risk and behaviors Participant self-worth Funding

Break!- 10 minute break -

Video: Labels and LanguagePurpose: Explore labels and languageassociated with drugs/drug use and theirrelationship to stigmaPay attention to:- Labels & Language- Themes that you see in your work withclients

Drug User LabelsAppearanceandStabilityHow often?Race/Ethnicity“DrugUser”Gender/SexualOrientationHealthStatusChoosingto abstain?Whichdrugs?Prescribedor street?

LanguageJunkies, Dope FiendsCrack-heads, Crack BabiesDrug Addicts, Drug AbusersDrug Users, People Who Use DrugsDrug Use, Drug Abuse, Drug MisuseClean and DirtyRelapse vs. Lapse

Activity: Dynamics of StigmaPurpose: To explore different dynamics andconsequences of stigmaKeep in mind the the 3-Ds: Difference (Keeping people out) Danger (Keeping people away) Discrimination (Keeping people down)

Round 1Brainstorm ways that yourinstitution stigmatizes drug usersThink about behaviors/actionsANDWhy it happens(3Ds/Beliefs)

Round 2Brainstorm ways that drug usersmay respond to the stigmatizingbehaviors from round 1Name behaviors/actionsANDWays stigma may be internalized

Round 3List 3 strategies/alternatives tochallenge the stigmatizingbehaviors you have discussed.Either from the perspective of the institutionORAs a provider helping a client

Challenging Stigma, Creating ChangeIndividualLevelCommunityLevelStaffLevel

Individual LevelLanguageHonestyRelationshipsDisclosure and dialogueEducation and personal development

Staff and Community LevelStaff Level• Training and education• Outlets for feedback• Assessment of practices• Hiring Drug UsersCommunityLevel• Participant Advisory Boards• Awareness Campaigns• Policy and advocacy• Events

Release Campaign