Click below to view the presentation on Substance Use, Language and Stigma:
“The language we use is the mouthpiece for stigma, trauma and power OR connection, compassion and empathy.”
— Dr Lisa Cherry, 2024
This quote by Dr Lisa Cherry really resonates. It captures the heart of what so many of us are trying to communicate: that language is never neutral. It can either reinforce stigma and exclusion or foster empathy and connection.
International, national, and regional research has shed light on the deep and lasting harms caused by stigma—particularly for people affected by trauma, substance use, and domestic violence. These harms aren’t just emotional; they contribute to real-world inequalities in health, safety, and access to support.
Why Language Matters
The words we use when talking about people who use drugs or alcohol reflect our values—and shape how others are treated. Language can alienate, disempower, and confuse. But it can also uplift, empower, and connect. Too often, we speak without thinking about the impact of our words or why we use them in the first place.
Stigma keeps people in the shadows. It creates shame, discourages help-seeking, and reinforces harmful stereotypes. That’s why we’re working to develop approaches that reduce stigma—not by handing out rulebooks, but by encouraging reflection and anti-oppressive conversations that open doors to support.
Challenging Everyday Stigma
We’ve all heard it—phrases like “those people” or “they’ve chosen that lifestyle.” These statements carry heavy implications. They suggest blame, otherness, and a lack of understanding. But language is socially constructed and constantly evolving. We have the power to change it.
Some may ask, “Are we being too woke?” But being “woke” simply means being aware and attentive to important issues. When we asked people with lived experience (PLWE) for feedback on stigmatising language, one person said, “The world’s gone mad—too politically correct.” But does it really not matter?
We believe it does. Because language shapes reality. It influences how people see themselves. When someone says, “I’m a nightmare,” they’re internalising stigma. Our goal is to help reframe that narrative—focusing on strengths, not shame.
The Bigger Picture: Structural Stigma
Stigma isn’t just personal—it’s structural. Public narratives like the “war on drugs” perpetuate discrimination and self-stigma, creating barriers to recovery. Families feel it. Professionals can be influenced by it. And ultimately, it affects outcomes.
By viewing substance use as a health issue—just like any other—we can begin to dismantle stigma. A respectful, compassionate tone leads to better health outcomes and greater inclusion. When people feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to seek help and begin their recovery journey.
Let’s Keep Talking: Moving Beyond Blame: From Furious to Curious
“From furious to curious. From correction to connection.”
— Inspired by Bryony Shannon, Beyond Blame, 2022
Blame is easy. It’s a reflex when things go wrong—a way to make sense of failure, to protect ourselves, or to demand accountability. But what if blame isn’t the answer? What if it’s actually part of the problem?
In our organisations, blame culture is already far too common. It creates fear, stifles innovation, and discourages honesty. And while accountability is absolutely essential, it doesn’t mean pointing fingers at colleagues or hiding behind “the system.” Because, let’s face it—we are the system.
So, how do we move beyond blame?
Ending stigma isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about being open to learning, listening, and changing. Whether we’re talking about substance use, mental health, or suicide, the language we choose matters.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s choose words that heal, not harm.
It starts with a mindset shift. Instead of reacting with frustration or defensiveness, we lean into curiosity. We ask questions. We seek to understand. We move from correction to connection—because real change happens when people feel safe, heard, and supported.
Moving beyond blame doesn’t mean we ignore mistakes. It means we own them. We follow the law, we’re transparent about our responsibilities, and we’re honest about where we fall short. We acknowledge that we’re still learning—and we stay open to feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.
No More Tick Boxes
Adding more forms or tick boxes won’t fix a culture of blame. What will? Building trust. Encouraging reflection. Creating space for people to speak up without fear. And recognising that improvement is a shared journey, not a solo performance.
This isn’t about being soft. It’s about being strong enough to lead with humility. It’s about creating systems that support growth, not punishment.
Final Thoughts
Blame isolates. Curiosity connects. If we want to build better, safer, more compassionate services, we need to move beyond blame—and toward a culture of learning, accountability, and care.
Let’s be the system we want to work in.
Concise version of your message for social media:
Curiosity and Connection.
Blame doesn’t build better systems—curiosity does.
Let’s move beyond blame culture and create space for honesty, learning, and growth.
We are the system. Let’s make it one we’re proud of.
#BeyondBlame #CuriousNotFurious #CultureChange #Safeguarding
View all our news