Delta Community Action Team
Understanding Stigma
Stigma is one of the greatest barriers to overcoming the toxic drug supply crisis. When a population and a topic are so widely misunderstood, it leads to insufficient calls to action, misallocated resources, and ineffective change. This gap in awareness prevents meaningful solutions and fuels harmful misconceptions that push people further into isolation.
Addressing stigma is vital. By fostering education, empathy, and open conversations, we can drive real change—ensuring that responses to substance use and mental health are rooted in compassion, evidence, and community-driven solutions. We all have a role to play in creating a future where understanding replaces judgement and action replaces inaction.
Types of Stigma
Stigma takes different forms, each shaping how individuals, communities, and institutions view and respond to certain groups. Understanding these types is essential to breaking harmful cycles and fostering more supportive environments.
Self-Stigma
When societal biases and cultural narratives become internalized, leading individuals to believe harmful misconceptions about themselves. This can damage mental and physical health, limiting opportunities for connection, support, and access to care.
Community Stigma
Occurs when a group collectively upholds biases, forming social norms that reinforce exclusion and isolation. It influences the types of services and resources available, often pushing people out instead of fostering inclusion.
Structural Stigma
Embedded in institutions and policies, this form of stigma prioritizes punitive measures over support, further marginalizing individuals. It’s seen when systems reinforce misunderstanding rather than promoting education and meaningful change.
Language Guide
Created by people with lived and living substance use experience
Certain language can be stigmatizing when discussing substance use. Stigma can put up metaphorical walls that keep people away from people and places that might feel unsafe. Feeling a sense of belonging within a community is essential for everyone to access the social connection and support necessary for wellness. Help support safe and non-stigmatizing spaces in Delta.
Note that language evolves, and we will do our best to keep the list updated.
End Stigma With
Connection
Connection plays a vital role in prevention as well as our own personal health and well-being.
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Participate in community events and actively invite others to join in.
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Reflect on any assumptions you may have about others, ensuring you approach everyone as equals.
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Embrace and connect with individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and age groups, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging for all.
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Promote mental health and prevent substance use by fostering early connections among youth in the community, helping to build a strong foundation for mental well-being and resilience.
Example
We influence those around us. Help others gain new perspectives by:
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Gaining a deeper understanding and discussing the factors behind substance use.
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Addressing media biases and misinformation.
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Encouraging questions over judgements.
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Supporting policy changes that promote mental wellness, resilience, and address societal factors that are associated with substance use.
