Time to lift the stigma

It has been said time and time again, addiction does not discriminate. 

However, according to a recent Maru survey, 94 per cent of British Columbians believe that the issue of opioid poisoning and overdose is related to those addicted to illicit opioid street drugs, rather than those taking legitimate prescriptions.

Year over year, the perceived face of the opioid crisis remains largely unchanged. 

And while the steadfast belief is that illegal opioid use and the rise of deadly fentanyl on the illegal market has fuel the opioid crisis, according to the Maru survey data, prescription opioid use was an early driver and continues to play a role in perpetuating the crisis.

"In 2016, 21.5 million prescriptions for opioids were dispensed from community pharmacies, which means almost every adult over the age of 18 years filled a prescription, making Canada the second-largest consumer of prescription opioids in the world."

This week (Nov. 26) is National Addictions Awareness Week.

For many, the focus will be and remain on breaking down substance-use disorder stereotypes and stigma.

In early 2018, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction launched a campaign aimed at lifting the stigma around substance use called 'Stop Overdose.'

"Knocking down the walls of silence that keep people from talking about substance use is an important step towards addressing the overdose crisis in British Columbia. Recognizing that people who use drugs are real people helps to put a human face behind the numbers of so many preventable tragedies," the ministry stated on its website. 

"It's impossible to move forward in the overdose crisis without addressing some major myths about addiction and substance use. The way forward needs new approaches and new ways of thinking."

From the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction Website:

MYTH 1: "Do a drug once and you're addicted." 

Most people who try drugs (or are prescribed drugs) do not become addicted.  It's true that the more often a substance is used, the higher the risk of addiction.  But even then, it may not result in actual addiction. 

FACT: People who struggle with addiction use substances to deal with pain. 

People who struggle with problematic drug use are trying to ease physical, emotional, spiritual and/or mental pain. They are trying to numb difficult feelings. To create a meaningful change we need to address the underlying and on-going trauma, grief and loss that contribute to this pain. 

MYTH 2: "You have to hit rock bottom before I can help you."

Hitting rock bottom does not help most people change their ways. Harshness does not jolt people into changing. 

FACT: Hitting rock bottom can be more harmful than helpful.

Supporting someone who uses drugs?  It's important to focus on building your relationship with safety and trust. If you leave people on their own  - to ‘hit rock bottom’ or ‘learn it the hard way’  - you risk losing the chance to connect and provide support.

MYTH 3: "If you really loved me, you would stop using."

People living with addiction do care for their loved ones.  They understand the impact their substance use has on their friends and family. 

FACT: Addiction is not a choice.

Ending addiction is much more complicated than “just saying no”. 

Some of the most important things you can do to support people on their healing journey are:

• Have open conversations about substance use
• Learn more about addiction and harm reduction
• Recognize that everyone takes a different path towards treatment and recovery. 
• There are many ways to heal.

The opioid crisis is not limited to illicit drug users, there are many different faces of addiction.

As stated in the Ministry's 'Stop Overdose' campaign, "people who use drugs are real people."

— Information contributed from Maru Survey and Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction