The Anti-Stigma Network (ASN) is a volunteer-led organisation working to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people affected by drug and alcohol use.

Stigma has real consequences. It stops people from accessing healthcare, housing and employment. It pushes people out of their communities and leaves them feeling unsafe and isolated. Over time, it deepens inequality and contributes to poor health and early death. ASN exists to challenge these barriers and to promote dignity, fairness and compassion in policy and practice.

Wirral Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Centre provides residential support for people recovering from drug and alcohol dependency. As part of its commitment to recovery, community integration, and reducing stigma, Wirral Residential runs a co-produced choir made up of residents and staff.

Not only do nature-based programmes provide therapeutic effects for current or past substance users, but the psychological, physical, and social benefits are substantial. Dr Wendy Masterton from the University of Stirling explains.

There’s a meme that has been around for a few years now online where you insert some ridiculous thing men would rather do than go to therapy.‍ ‍

However, it’s rooted in a truth that men are less likely to seek support than women.  

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Phoenix's residential treatment service. These findings are derived from a recent survey of our resident's experiences.    

When it comes to ketamine use, early intervention and harm reduction is key. Jo Moore, manager and safeguarding lead at Birchwood Residential service, Kaleidoscope, believes we have along way to go but she’s hopeful that recent improvements around the UK are having a positive impact.

As ketamine use rises among young people in the UK, new evidence from Phoenix Futures—a national charity supporting people with drug and alcohol issues—reveals a troubling pattern: stigma in healthcare settings is not only harming young people and creating barriers to recovery.

Stigma can affect anyone who uses alcohol or other drugs, negatively impacting their health and wellbeing, and increasing the likelihood they experience drug-related harm. Fear of judgement or unkind treatment prevents many people from seeking support when they need it. And stigma amongst the public and policymakers can promote unevidenced and harmful policies, compounding international drug-related death crises.

At the Anti-Stigma Network, we’re always looking to challenge assumptions and amplify voices. So, I was keen to chat with Michael who has just finished his degree from Northumbria University.

After years of working in various settings across North East England – including prisons, community drug treatment and homelessness services – I noticed something unsettling: the invisibility of marginalised LGBTQ+ people. This led me to apply for a three-year funded PhD in which I interviewed 72 people – 39 LGBTQ+ individuals dealing with issues like homelessness, substance use, or domestic violence, and 33 professionals who work with them. 

Performing Recovery is an organisation that supports, connects and promotes artists, arts groups and arts practices in the world of recovery from substance use and compulsive behavioural disorders. It publishes a quarterly magazine, podcasts and a newsletter, and it runs live and online events. Performing Recovery is for individuals or groups who are involved in, or interested in, recovery arts. 

Photo credit: Point of View Photography

As drug-related deaths continue to rise across the globe, debates about what can be done to tackle society’s addiction problems continue. Although stigma is generally recognised as major barrier to addiction recovery, arguments can sometimes be heard that stigma – or at least societal ‘disapproval’ - towards substance use is in fact, a ‘good’ thing.