Avoid saying ‘drug user’ to combat stigma, report urges
It said it acknowledged the “negative impact” of some drug use but added that prohibitionist policies “increased stigma”, telling political leaders not to “stoke fears” about drug use. It added that current laws treated people who use drugs as “sub-human, non-citizens and scapegoats for wider societal problems”.
The Global Commission’s latest report advises political leaders and journalists to use the expression “person with drug dependence” – not “addict”, “drug abuser” or “junkie”. It also said it was preferable to refer to a “person who uses drugs” rather than a “drug user” – and to avoid calling those with non-problematic drug use as “recreational, casual or experimental users”.
Original Article (BBC):
Avoid saying ‘drug user’ to combat stigma, report urges
Artwork Fair Use: Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users
