Living With Stigma
We spoke to people with lived experience who shared how substance use affected their lives and how stigma made it harder to get help. In the videos below, they talk openly about their journeys, showing the many different paths into substance use and why it’s important not to make assumptions.
There are two versions of each video. The shorter ones last around 5 or 6 minutes, whereas the longer ones are full interviews and last between 10 and 25 minutes
Joanne's story
Joanne is a mother who experienced trauma and is a survivor of a coercive relationship. She used various substances as a way of coping. She shares how the fear of admitting her substance use - and the fear of losing her children - prevented her from accessing support services.
Lesley's story
Lesley shares her story of seeking help while facing threats of losing her children. These experiences left her feeling judged and unsupported, particularly by healthcare staff and social care professionals.
James' story
James is a UK Armed Forces veteran who was injured during a deployment in Afghanistan. He talks about a difficult transition to civilian life, from being prescribed opiates for pain management to eventually using street drugs.
Liam's story
Liam shares his experience of using substances from the age of 13, including selling drugs, before developing a dependence on cocaine. Eventually, Liam was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He speaks openly about the stigma he faced, both within the prison healthcare system and after his release.
Lynne’s story
Lynne talks about how she has supported her sister through struggles with alcohol use. She shares how working alongside professionals has helped improve her sister's care, but reflects on the powerful impact that stigma can have on a person's ability to seek help.
Steve's story
Steve reflects on how labels hold people back, preventing them from moving forward, exploring new identities, and trying new things. He shares how these labels affected him and the challenges he's faced in engaging with professionals.
Terry's story
Terry draws on his personal experiences with alcohol and drug use, and shares how childhood trauma can lead individuals to use substances as a way to cope with emotional pain. He explains how substance use can become part of a cycle of negative behaviours, often reinforced by stigma and societal labels.
Sarah's story
Sarah talks about her alcohol use, which began as a way to cope with the everyday stresses of life. Despite initially seeking help from healthcare professionals, a negative experience left her feeling dismissed and discouraged, causing her to avoid seeking support for another ten years.