National Addiction Awareness Week highlights issues and solutions to help address alcohol- and other drug-related harm and provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn about prevention, talk about treatment and recovery, and to bring forward solutions for change. The 2017 theme is WORDS MATTER and how language that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and act as a barrier to seeking help. See below for recent research and resources.
Engaging Clients Who Uses Substances
From the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario
- This Best Practice Guideline includes information on respectful communication.
Access at http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Engaging_Clients_Who_Use_Substances_13_WEB.pdf
LGBTQ People, Drug Use and Harm Reduction
From Rainbow Health Ontario
- This evidence brief discusses substance use in the LGBTQ population, including how substance use must be understood within the context of the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination to which LGBTQ people are constantly exposed.
Access at https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2015/06/RHO_FactSheet_LGBTDRUGUSEHARMREDUCTION_E.pdf
Pregnancy, Alcohol and Trauma-Informed Practice: Information for Service Providers
From the Centre for Excellence for Women’s Health
- This fact sheet addresses how to talk to patients about alcohol use during pregnancy from a trauma-informed context.
Access at http://bccewh.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/FASD-Sheet-5_Alcohol-Pregnancy-Violence-TIP-Dec-6.pdf
Respectful Language and Stigma: Regarding People Who Use Substances
From the Provincial Health Services Authority, BC Centre for Disease Control and TowardTheHeart.com
- A quick overview of the need to address the language surrounding substance use disorders and drug addiction and those who use drugs, including tips on how to use respectful language.
Access at http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/respectful-language-and-stigma-final_244.pdf