Breaking down stigma around youth substance use: From judgment to understanding
“Substance use and addiction are not moral failures. They are complex. It’s OK not to be OK, and it’s OK to ask for help.”
—YMCA Youth Substance Awareness Program (YSAP)
What is the stigma around substance use?
Youth who use drugs or alcohol are often judged, labelled, and discriminated against. It’s common for people to mistakenly think that addiction is a choice and that it’s a moral failure to use substances. "Stigma is most apparent in stigmatizing language, which relies heavily on stereotypes to shame and belittle individuals," says the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.
Truth is, substance use and addiction are influenced by many factors like trauma, mental health, wanting to belong socially, and genetics. Social determinants of health, including your family life and background, where and how you live, and access to supportive services, also play a big role.
Why is stigma a problem?
Nobody likes to be shamed, unfairly labelled, or get in trouble. Because of this, youth often avoid seeking support, even when they want it. "Stigma makes it harder to reach out for help," says Health Canada.
Stigma damages self-esteem and can lead to silence and disconnection. It’s common for youth to withdraw from friends and family and use substances in secret and alone.
How can we stop stigma around substance use?
"You can reduce stigma by changing the words you use to talk about drug use," recommends Health Canada. "Using kind words can make it easier for someone to speak up, to feel understood, or to receive help."
Here are a few ways you can change your language.
- First-person: Choose "people who use substances" rather than hurtful labels such as "users."
- Neutral terms: For example, "returned to use" over "relapse," and "substance use" or "drug abuse."
- Nonjudgmental responses: If someone shares their substance use with you, listen and respond without judgment. Express your care, support, and appreciation for their trust.
- Respect personal identity: Some people may want to reclaim labels, such as "alcoholic," and that’s fine. Always use the terms they prefer.
Words matter a lot, and so does our mindset about people who use substances. To help end stigma, we have to shift from a "what’s wrong with this person?" to a "what happened to this person?" approach. Listen and communicate with respect and compassion, remembering that substance use and addiction are complicated, and that everyone is worthy of kindness and help.
Stigma-free substance use support in the GTA
It’s OK not to be OK. And it’s OK to ask for help. YSAP is here with nonjudgmental, respectful, and compassionate substance use support.
We offer free one-on-one counselling for youth in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) using a person-centred, nonjudgmental, harm-reduction approach.
Our services include:
- No waiting list and easy referral process
- Individual counselling for 14- to 24-year-olds
- In-person, telephone, and virtual counselling sessions
If you or someone you know needs support with substance use, reach out to YSAP counsellors via our website or call 416-473-7407.
