The Anti-Stigma Network

Seven ways pharmacy can improve outcomes for those impacted by substance use The Pharmaceutical Journal from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Are you a pharmacist, or do you know someone who is? Here are some helpful ways pharmacies can improve outcomes for those impacted by substance use, including the creation of a stigma-free and psychologically safe environment. Read the seven steps in The Pharmaceutical Journal: zurl.co/GemLD

How Words Perpetuate Stigma Surrounding Addiction When what we say matters: The scientific language of addiction.

We know that language can enhance or dismantle stigma and our handy guide is available on our website. If you want to read more about the importance of using non-stigmatising language, Psychology Today has published a new article on this: zurl.co/keyUZ

What phrases do you use?

Risk factors for experiencing substance use-related employment stigma among emergency department patients at high risk of opioid overdose Harm Reduction Journal - People who use drugs report hesitance to seek employment because of stigma around drug use, which other forms of stigma may compound. We evaluated risk factors for...

New research from the US into risk factors for employment stigma has revealed stats concerning job rejection, doubts about being hired and perceived likelihood of being overlooked for a job. Do you work in HR or recruitment? How can we reduce stigma in this area? Read the full study: zurl.co/Yqgf8

What happens when stigma shapes policy, not evidence?

We’ve responded to the ACMD’s call for evidence on drug use in LGBT+ communities & chemsex, drawing on lived experience and frontline insight.

Better outcomes start with better understanding👉 zurl.co/ETYl5

#Stigma #LGBTQ+ #ASN

People who are homeless in South London experience widespread stigma and discrimination | King's College London A new pilot study led by researchers from King’s College London, the Lambeth Services Users Council and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine reveals that people experiencing homelessness in South London face stigma and discrimination across multiple public and support systems.

Homeless people in South London experience widespread stigma and discrimination across multiple public and support systems. In the study, unfair treatment was reported across health, housing, legal, and public services. Read more: zurl.co/WM51s

The Dry January campaign normalises sobriety, and it is slowly helping to challenge stigma surrounding alcohol use, and encouraging more people to seek the support they need. Read our blog from Jan 2025 by Scott Woolley who discusses life before 'Dry January' zurl.co/KBYxJ

A very happy new year to all of our friends and supporters from all of us at The Anti-Stigma Network. A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the network over the last year, we are looking forward to another year of challenging stigma.
#2026

Drug and alcohol addiction - useful contacts Find a list of organisations and services who can help if you are experiencing addiction or dependency, such as to drugs, alcohol, sex, smoking or gambling.

We know the festive season can bring mixed emotions for people affected by drug and alcohol use, their families and those offering support. Please see the following sites: FRANK, Alcoholics Anonymous, Drink Aware, DAN 247 (Wales), or check out this list by Mind: zurl.co/o37VD

Read the story about how 'Voice of the Voiceless' - the new resource came about to help reduce stigma for people receiving opioid substitution therapy in pharmacies, by Dr Vicky Carlisle, Research Fellow, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol. zurl.co/kTYdj

Did you know we offer Organisational Membership of the Anti Stigma Network? If you educate your staff and stakeholders to understand stigma, call it out when they experience or observe it, and support the work of the network then you can sign up for FREE. zurl.co/timu9

Addiction in later life: breaking the stigma - Silver Magazine Addiction can rear its head at any time, and can appear in later life when you least expect it. What to do for addiction when you're over 50

A really interesting read into addiction later in life by Silver Magazine. Older adults with addiction are often more likely to experience increased feelings of embarrassment, guilt, and shame about their situation, rather than seeking support. Read the article:zurl.co/KA6cS

Human Rights Day 10/12/25: Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials - human rights are positive, essential and attainable. We have the choice to treat others with respect, speak up against unfairness and listen to those whose voices are often ignored. Find out more about the day: zurl.co/XWn45.

Exposure to content written by large language models can reduce stigma around opioid use disorder Widespread stigma, both offline and online, hinders harm reduction efforts in the context of opioid use disorder (OUD). This stigma targets clinically approved medications for OUD (MOUD), people with the condition, and the condition itself, among several others. Given the potential of artificial intelligence in promoting health equity, this work examines whether large language models (LLMs) can abate stigmatizing attitudes in virtual healthcare communities. To answer this, we conducted a series of randomized controlled experiments, where participants read LLM-generated, human-written, or no responses to help-seeking OUD-related content. The experiment was conducted under two setups: participants read the responses either once (N = 2, 141) or repeatedly for 14 days (N = 107). Participants reported the least stigmatized attitudes toward MOUD after consuming LLM-generated responses. This study offers insights into strategies that can foster inclusive discourse on OUD. Based on our findings LLMs can serve as an education-based intervention to promote positive attitudes and increase people’s propensity toward treatments for OUD.

New research has found that AI responses made people less likely to see Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) as “just another drug” and more likely to view it as a legitimate treatment. Read the full research here: zurl.co/HJOVW

Are you committed to ending stigma? Why not join us. All we ask is that you call out stigma and discrimination when you experience it and observe it, and work with other members to share how best to understand stigma and fight discrimination. Sign up, its free: zurl.co/J257s

What language apportions blame, and what could we consider using instead? We'd like to know about alternative language to help reduce the risk of blame being propositioned to the person - what are your suggestions?

Taking Action On Addiction | A campaign website to bring more understanding and help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction Taking Action on Addiction is a campaign to improve understanding of addiction and end the stigma that surrounds it. We are calling for addiction to be treated as a serious mental health condition so that recovery can be possible for everyone.

The festive season can be fraught with anxiety and requires an increased level of understanding, support, and resilience as families navigate the additional hurdles posed by the holiday season. Here are some helpful tips by Taking Action on Addiction: zurl.co/LqNbA

Mum Points - Outside Edge Three women. Nine months. With each flip of a coin, you write their story. A powerful, research-based theatre game that explores the difficult decisions, the crises and realities of drug dependency and motherhood.

'Mum Points' is a research-based theatre game exploring decisions, crises and realities of drug dependency and motherhood. Dec 3rd and 4th in London and Sheffield. FREE for healthcare professionals and anyone looking to develop their knowledge and skills. Register zurl.co/S1x36

Annual Conference 2025 | NHS APA The NHS APA invites you to join us at our free and virtual conference on the 27th of November 2025.

The NHS Addictions Provider Alliance (NHS APA) annual conference is on Thurs 27th Nov, 9.30am - 4 pm, a day of reflection, connection and action exploring ways to build more inclusive support systems for everyone affected by drugs, alcohol or gambling. Register online for FREE via zurl.co/SMS6k

Understanding and supporting people affected by the stigma of substance use Join our new CPD accredited training course on substance-related stigma, launched by the Anti-Stigma Network, in partnership with Adfam

LAST CHANCE to secure your spot on our new CPD-accredited stigma and substance use training course (in partnership with Adfam) on Weds 19th Nov, 9.30 am - 3.30pm £95 for Anti-Stigma Network members / £110 for non-members. Book online or email admin@adfam.org.uk
zurl.co/7k0Gz

Phoenix Future's Footprints Residential Survey 2025 results are out, revealing just how deeply stigma and discrimination continues to shape the experiences of people seeking help for substance use. Take a moment to read the full blog post: zurl.co/23jSx

The new OSN report on drug-related deaths has been released. Our response is now on our website.

Read our full statement and help us push for change: 👉 zurl.co/FAIzE
#EndStigma #HarmReduction #OSNReport #AntiStigmaNetwork

New blog from Paul Woodward at Phoenix Futures: How the language we use in coronial inquests can shape how loved ones remember those we've lost. Let’s speak with compassion. Read here 👉 [zurl.co/jyRAk ] #HarmReduction #DrugPolicy #TraumaInformed

When Jack went to A&E in severe pain, he was left waiting, overlooked, and made to feel invisible. His story shows how stigma around ketamine use can block people from getting urgent care.

We need training, flexibility & compassion in services. Everyone deserves dignity.

Read more 👉 zurl.co/le3qM

New CPD-accredited training from the Anti-Stigma Network & Adfam: tackling stigma around substance use. For frontline staff working with individuals and families.
📅 Wed 19 Nov 2025, 9.30–3.30 (online via Zoom) 🎟️ £95 members / £110 non-members 🔗 Book here: zurl.co/jAXsO
Questions: admin@adfam.org.uk

Phil shares how judgement and misunderstanding shaped his journey. Now a peer mentor, he speaks out to shift perceptions and foster compassion. Read on our Website.

Today is Overdose Awareness Day. 💜

We remember those we’ve lost, support those affected, and highlight the importance of removing stigma around drug use. Stigma stops people from seeking help, accessing life-saving interventions, and receiving the care they deserve.

#OverdoseAwarenessDay

Every life matters. Every second counts. Naloxone can reverse an overdose. Carrying it is an act of care. Let’s break the silence. Let’s end the stigma. Read more: zurl.co/qvdx3 #OverdoseAwarenessDay #NaloxoneSavesLives #EndStigma

Recoverist Month is back this September, and Portraits of Recovery is leading the charge with a bold programme of exhibitions, film and conversation across Manchester. Our latest blog explores how contemporary art is being used to challenge stigma around substance use. zurl.co/7OtPP

Join us on Sunday the 31st August as we stand together to honour lives lost and take action for change on #OverdoseAwarenessDay. 💜

A day to remember those we’ve lost, support those grieving, and raise awareness about how we can prevent future deaths.


Compassion saves lives. Stigma takes them.

Healthcare stigma isn’t just unfair - it’s dangerous.

Young people experiencing harm from Ketamine are slipping through the cracks when stigma prevents them from getting the care they need.

Read our latest blog on our website: zurl.co/Up6TM

#ketamine #druguse #stopthestigma #stigma