New language campaign aimed at ending stigma towards drug users launches in Dundee

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A positive language campaign has been launched in Dundee to support the city’s drug users. Organisers say using words like ‘junkie’ and smackhead’ to describe addicts can negatively impact a person’s recovery efforts.

The ‘Language Matters’ group is led by NHS Tayside’s Public Health team. It also includes people with lived experience of stigma and substance use and staff from key support agencies that form part of Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

To launch the campaign, a thought provoking animation has been developed by the multi-agency group that can be seen here. NHS Tayside Director of Public Health Dr Emma Fletcher said: “The language used when any of us speak about people who use drugs can really impact how they feel about themselves and how they are viewed by others.DundeeLive brings you the latest headlines from Dundee and beyond.But did you know you all the ways you can stay informed with us?You can get our top stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily news updates.

Simply fill in the sign up box further up this article or click here.Make sure you give us a 'Like' on Facebook to get the latest Dundee breaking news, pictures, video and live reports in your feed.You can also follow us on Twitter, clicking the notification bell to receive alerts any time we tweet.We share everything from live news and exclusive scoops to the latest features and sport every day so you definitely don't want to miss out!“Experiences of stigma and discrimination can lead to profound social isolation and rejection by family and friends, driving people away from support services and communities and causing poorer health outcomes.“Using negative language about people with drug dependence undermines all of our efforts to