Arrest Referral (AR) schemes in London were established to connect people who use drugs with treatment services at the point of arrest through collaboration between police and drug service providers. Based on interviews with police officers and drug workers, the study explores the practical challenges of delivering treatment referrals within police custody settings, differences in professional perspectives, and the development of effective working relationships over time. The findings highlight the value of collaboration between health and criminal justice agencies in improving referral...

This study explored public stigma toward people who use heroin in Jordan, where cultural and religious beliefs often frame substance use as a moral failing. A nationwide online survey of over 900 adults found high levels of stigma, including fears of social rejection, job loss, and legal consequences for people who use heroin. Stigmatising attitudes were stronger among non-smokers, married individuals, and retired participants, while no differences were found by sex. The findings highlight how social norms shape stigma in Jordan and point to the need for culturally sensitive public health...

En un nuevo editorial en World Psychiatry, la profesora Helen L. Fisher analiza cómo la salud pública debe reconocer la influencia de las circunstancias y experiencias sociales y pide que la experiencia vivida esté en el centro de esta revolución.

Fisher argumenta que el diseño, la ejecución y la evaluación de las estrategias e intervenciones de prevención y promoción de la salud mental primaria deberían, como mínimo, estar informados por las personas más afectadas por las desigualdades sociales y de salud mental, y preferiblemente involucrar a las personas con experiencia vivida en una...

Este estudio utilizó métodos cualitativos para identificar imágenes estigmatizantes y no estigmatizantes para el trastorno por consumo de drogas y explorar las reacciones de las personas con experiencia vivida con trastornos por consumo de drogas a las imágenes relacionadas con el trastorno por consumo de sustancias. Realizamos grupos focales y breves entrevistas cualitativas semiestructuradas con 14 individuos en recuperación de una variedad de trastornos por consumo de sustancias.

The Addiction Language Guide serves as a comprehensive resource designed to address and combat stigmatizing language associated with addiction. Stigmatizing language often involves attaching negative labels and stereotypes to specific groups of people, contributing to adverse consequences such as social isolation, diminished self-esteem, and reluctance to seek medical assistance. This guide aims to empower individuals and organizations to eliminate and replace stigmatizing language, thereby fostering positive change and enhancing the lives of those affected by substance use disorders both...