Understanding stigma
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 3 of 25

Stigma happens when people are judged, labelled, or treated unfairly because of substance use. It can make asking for help harder.

Recognize it
Stigma can show up in jokes, assumptions, blame, or service rules that create unnecessary barriers. It can also turn inward: someone may start to believe that they are unworthy of care.

Interrupt it
- Describe what happened without assigning a person a label.
- Challenge statements that treat substance use as a moral failure.
- Protect privacy; do not use someone’s experience as a cautionary story without permission.
- Ask whether a rule improves safety or mainly excludes people.

Turn a mistake into awareness
Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and raise awareness. If someone uses a stigmatizing word, try: “That word can make it harder for people to ask for help. We could say ‘person who uses substances’ instead.” If you make the mistake, acknowledge it, correct your words, and use the better wording next time. Teach without humiliating someone or sharing another person’s private experience.

If you are helping someone
Challenge blame when you hear it. Someone’s substance use does not take away their right to emergency care.

WARN (OTHERS): After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy. Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.

Your next step
Share one respectful correction with someone, and explain how stigma can get in the way of safety.

Learn more
Health Canada — Why words matter
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/stigma-why-words-matter-fact-sheet.html

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/understanding-stigma

The Real DOPE Project — Safety Is for Everyone.

Contact: therealdopeproject@gmail.com

Resource text updated: 2026-10-13. Earlier sources retain their individual review dates.

General education, not individual medical advice or first aid certification. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher and your exact kit instructions.

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