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Powerpoint presentations from SdF conferences in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 can be accessed under Presentations in the Archives section of this website.
2008
Drug Users and stigma: a one-day conference
Glasgow
Stigma: a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's ‘reputation’
Scottish Drugs Forum hosted this one day conference to explore the nature and impact of stigma as it affects people who have a drugs problem.
The effects of stigma are a daily reality for many people closely affected by a drug problem in Scotland. Drug users, their families and friends are frequently marginalised and blamed by large sections of society for a range of social ills.
This can pave the way for the proposal and development of policies and practice which would not be tolerated for other disadvantaged groups.
With recovery a central plank of the Scottish Government’s new drug strategy, it is vital that we address stigma on many levels which result in, for example:
• Institutional stigma - policies, culture and ways of working that impede recovery
• Language and public debate which reduce a person to ‘the addict’
• Continuing damage to neighbourhood cohesion.
Key topics for discussion included:
• How does stigma manifest itself?
• How do policies, services and wider attitudes reduce or exacerbate it?
• The impact on people and their families
• What steps can be taken to remove or lessen stigma?
Click to download speakers' PowerPoint presentations:
Professor Julian Buchanan, Social Inclusion Research Unit, University of Wales (6502kb)
Dr Oliver Aldridge, Drug Treatment & Testing Order (Edinburgh, Mid & East Lothian) (2939kb)
User Involvement Groups, Scottish Drugs Forum (150kb)
Stephanie Morrison, Parent (257kb)
Elizabeth Allan, Institute of Applied Social & Health Research, University of the West of Scotland (271kb)
Austin Smith, Glasgow Homelessness Network (28kb)
Irene Campbell, Ayrshire and Arran Drug and Alcohol Action Team (174kb)