A space for members to discuss, analyse and amplify
If you have something stigma related that you want to say or to share that you think members will benefit from please contact us at news@antistigmanetwork.org.uk with your article.
Addressing Stigma and Its Impact on Families
Families and carers, who bear much of the emotional burden of substance dependence and its associated stigma are frequently overlooked. The Anti-Stigma Network’s first Accelerator Session highlighted the barriers families face, when supporting loved ones affected by substance use.
Upcoming Webinar - Developing Inclusion
Guest speakers announced for our March 2025 webinar. Book your ticket here.
Turning Up the Volume - The 'Breaking the Silence' Myth
When it comes to discussions around addiction, Navi Dhesi tells us how South Asian communities are addressing alcohol use and its impacts, and how its not a matter of “breaking the silence”, but rather turning up the volume on the dialogues that are already taking place.
Exploring Cultural Experiences of Stigma - your questions answered.
Thanks to everyone who attended our recent webinar: ‘Exploring Cultural Experiences of Stigma ’. As promised, here are the answers to the questions you posed.
Another language guide???
When discussing substance use, being mindful of language is critical to avoiding stigma. Stigmatising language can perpetuate negative stereotypes, hinder access to substance use care, and the wider resources we all need for our health and wellbeing.
Who, if anyone, is furious?
As language evolves and language guides become a more common tool to address stigmatised health conditions, we ask The Sun and Daily Mail who is it making so furious?
The Shape of Stigma: Reflections for the Year Ahead
As we step into a new year, it's natural to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. It's peak season for reflective blogs, annual reports and the like.
Why Choosing An Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Can Create More Questions Than Answers
Scott Woolley, the founder of Arclett explores the stigma surrounding an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Upcoming Webinar: Exploring Cultural Experiences of Stigma
We are delighted to announce our line up of guest speakers for the ‘Exploring Cultural Experiences of Stigma’webinar this month.
Book your free ticket here and join us.
Errors in reasoning that contribute to stigma.
The more we look at stigmatisation, the more we reveal logical fallacies. James Armstrong looks at what types of errors in judgement there are so we can begin to understand our own tendencies.
The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club
Have you been to a comedy club where the laughter is not enhanced by alcohol or drugs yet? Martyn from Phoenix Futures explains why he set one up and why you should visit.
‘Ethics in Focus’ - questions and answer from our webinar
We were delighted see so many of you at our recent webinar ‘Ethics in focus’. As promised, here are the answers to the questions you posed.
Whose Definition? Fear-Based Responses to Everyday Words
Drawing on personal experiences of opening treatment services and engaging with diverse stakeholders, James Armstrong shares reflections and practical insights on navigating the complex communication landscape around substance use and addiction.
Is the BBC institutionally stigmatising?
The BBC is a beloved national institution, it’s amongst the most trustworthy news outlets in the world, but its editorial guidelines are out of date which makes it difficult for them to report on matters related to substance use without causing harm.
Upcoming Webinar: Ethics in focus - the power and principles of telling stories of substance use
Stories help to bridge divides, inspire action, shape policies, influence perception and create change.
Join us for an expert led discussion on the ethics and power of storytelling as we dive into ethical considerations, responsibilities, and best practices for sharing stories about people that use substances, addiction, recovery, and resilience.
An extension of the Alcohol Harm Paradox: The Unrecognised Impact of Drinking on Ethnic Minority Communities
Later in 2024, Drinkaware will publish research exploring alcohol use among UK adults from ethnic minority backgrounds and comparing these experiences with those of the white British population. Here’s a sneak peek at what the research uncovered.
Hepatitis C and Stigma
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a blood borne virus that is most commonly acquired by people who inject drugs. If left untreated, HCV can cause cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. Unfortunately, hepatitis C is also a stigmatised disease.
Change begins at home
Challenging stigma isn’t always easy – but local media can be a good place to start, say Lucie Mauger and James Armstrong
Playing with stigma has fatal consequences
The divisive idea of who is deserving, or not, both feeds into and leverages stigma around substance use. It marks people as socially unacceptable due to their behaviour, health condition, or even how they die.
An Explainer: The Right to Addiction Recovery Bill
The Right to Addiction Recovery Bill is a proposed legislation in Scotland that aims to provide individuals struggling with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Anne Marie Ward explains more…