Reports

People who use substances are diverse community members who come from all walks of life - they are parents, children, friends, co-workers, and neighbours. People who use substances are well aware of the impact they are having on society and their loved ones. They experience feelings of guilt and shame related to their use. They also judge themselves and others who use drugs. These judgements and feelings of shame add to the many barriers that many people with substance use disorders face in getting the support and services they need.

Stigma is the process of unjust devaluing and discrimination of people on the basis of particular characteristics (e.g., race, gender, mental health, substance use) in ways that socially exclude those individuals from mainstream society. Stigma includes negative attitudes and beliefs about a group of people due to their behaviours or circumstances in life. It includes discrimination, prejudice, judging, labelling, excluding and stereotyping. This further contributes to feelings of hopelessness, shame and isolation. Because of these negative feelings, stigma increases the likelihood that a person will hide their substance use from others, use alone or in an unsafe way, and avoid seeking help from others, even when they want to.

Stigma can destroy self-esteem and relationships, make it harder to access treatment, jobs and housing, and leads to discrimination and isolation. 
Health Canada, 2018

Stigma impacts people with substance use disorders, as well as their family members, peers, service providers, and our entire community. Stigma also further isolates individuals with substance use disorders, makes it harder for people with substance use disorders to enter treatment, and contributes to their continued use. By working to stop stigma, we can build a healthier, more caring Brant/Brantford. Treat people with substance use disorders with dignity and respect to help build their sense of autonomy and control over their own lives. This will contribute to their sense of self-esteem, pride, and desire for change.

Using photos to tell their stories, we asked Brant residents to describe their personal journey of  substance use or recovery. The following photos represent the various thoughts, feelings and stages that individuals with substance use disorders experience in their day-to-day lives. 

The photos shared as part of this project may trigger distressing feelings. If you need to talk to someone for support, please contact the 24-hour crisis line for St. Leonard's Community Services at 519-759-7188 or 1-866-811-7188. If you are interested in seeking treatment for a drug or alcohol problem, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600.

There is no typical path to substance use. There are many reasons why people develop substance use disorders. Some are genetic or biological. Some stem from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, violence or overwhelming stress at school, work or home. Some come from feeling alone, excluded or powerless. Some result from prescription medicine used to deal with chronic pain. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Substance use disorders are a health issue, not a character flaw. It is simply not a matter of will power or having a desire to stop. A substance use disorder is a medical condition diagnosed under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5 (CAMH). It causes changes in the brain and body that make it very hard to stop using a substance, regardless of the harm it causes to the person or to others around them. People with substance use disorders deserve to be treated with the same dignity, care and respect that is given to others living with a health condition or disorder such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. Social support can help address stigma and help improve the lives of people with substance use disorders.

Substance use is only a part of a person’s larger picture. It is important for everyone in our community that we choose to see the person and not simply their substance use disorder.