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The Anti-Stigma Network

@anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social
379 followers 254 following 134 posts

The Anti-Stigma Network aims to improve the understanding of stigma and discrimination experienced by people affected by drug and alcohol use

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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Your story can make a difference. But you decide how, when & whether you share it. Laura Willoughby MBE, co-founder & CEO of Club Soda shares practical advice on using lived experience to challenge stigma and influence change - while protecting your own boundaries and wellbeing - zurl.co/VoY3N
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
What if you don't recognise yourself in the stereotype of someone with a substance use problem? And what if you're in recovery... but still don't recognise yourself in what that is meant to look like? Our new guest blog from Shell at We Recover Loudly is funny, fierce & unapologetic: zurl.co/DvpeG
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Phoenix Futures @phoenixfutures.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
What does residential rehabilitation look like? As part of Open Houses, we're opening our doors throughout September, inviting you to meet our communities and learn how we support people to rebuild their lives. Book now: zurl.co/8RiwY
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Awareness is growing. But awareness alone won't dismantle stigma. We're launching 2 new Anti-Stigma Network Policy Briefings, exploring how stigma affects people's experiences across healthcare & criminal justice - zurl.co/zzmSH Read them. Share them. Use them.
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
What if we rewrote the story of recovery? The Recovery Street Film Festival puts lived experience at the heart of the conversation - challenging stereotypes through film, creativity and storytelling. In this blog, Maddie Kitchen explores why this matters and how RSFF is growing: zurl.co/NxIqA
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Phoenix Futures @phoenixfutures.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
What three words would you use to describe residential rehab? Watch the video, then let us know in the comments. Or better yet, come and see for yourself this September: zurl.co/t0hln Step inside. See the difference. #OpenHouses
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Is it time to dump the term "substance misuse"? Our latest blog explores whether the language we use unintentionally reinforces stigma and asks whether it's time for something better. What do you think? Read the blog and join the conversation: zurl.co/F1Ep4
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
When someone doesn't engage with support, do we ask: ❌ "Why didn't they attend?" ✅ "What made attendance difficult?" New blog from Tom Wright explores how prison recovery support reveals the powerful impact of systems, structures and stigma on recovery. Read more: zurl.co/q9HtW
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Thanks to the @ias.org.uk for helping us spread the news about the stigma-free organisations toolkit 🙏
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Can the "right" words still have the wrong impact? Even the most carefully chosen language can miss the mark if it's delivered with ambiguity, hierarchy, or unintended judgement. In our latest blog, we explore how dignity, agency, and fairness can help create truly stigma-free cultures zurl.co/WUUBa
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
"You are not alone" In this latest blog, Navi Dhesi shares how seeing his own experience reflected in someone else's story became a turning point. Read about breaking the silence around alcohol harm in South Asian communities and the importance of connection and representation - zurl.co/SIA4i
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
What does stigma look like in practice? It isn’t always obvious - it can show up in policies, processes, language or assumptions that shape access and inclusion. Our Stigma-Free Organisations Toolkit helps organisations reflect and take action on stigma. zurl.co/8thYY
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
“I am more than just a person who takes drugs.” D This Pride we’re continuing to amplify lived experience voices. D shares his journey navigating stigma, mental health, HIV & substance use - & the need for compassion, understanding & change. Let’s listen. Learn. Do better. 🔗 zurl.co/mf8H8
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SHAAP @shaapalcohol.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The alcohol industry is open about what the World Cup is for. Diageo's VP of global sports partnerships says sporting events "absolutely help recruit new customers in a big way." Not retain them. Recruit them. That's the strategy and it's playing out across 104 matches over six weeks.
edition.cnn.com
Why World Cup is the ‘make or break’ for alcohol | CNN Business
Forget ticket sales and geopolitical tensions. The World Cup might face another hurdle: A years-long decline in drinking.
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
“You got yourself into this.” “Now prove you deserve help.” This is the responsibilisation trap. And it hides the real drivers of harm, keeping people stuck. 🔗 Read our new blog and find out why it's time to move the focus: zurl.co/igsBN
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
"When we listen to lived experience, services improve." In this new guest blog, Wezz Killinaul reflects on addiction, recovery and the importance of creating LGBTQIA+ inclusive support services. Read her story and recommendations for creating safer, more inclusive support - zurl.co/cXIZK 🌈
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Stigma doesn't just affect how people feel. It shapes whether people feel safe to seek help, how they're treated when they do, and whether systems respond fairly. Our new free Stigma-Free Organisations Toolkit helps organisations take action on professional and structural stigma. zurl.co/EjTol
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
"Ask people what would help" Prof Catherine Meads This Pride Month we're revisiting our webinars on stigma related to drug & alcohol use within LGBTQIA+ communities. Exploring stigma, discrimination, inclusive support & the role of allyship in creating stigma-free services. Watch here: zurl.co/4xSTN
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Institute of Alcohol Studies @ias.org.uk · 05/06/2026
New report: alcohol labels are failing consumers. Only 6.7% carry health warnings. Just 1.3% mention cancer. Meanwhile, industry messages dominates. People have a right to know what’s in their drink - and the risks. Time for mandatory alcohol labelling. ahauk.org/resource/a-c...
ahauk.org
A Clear Way Forward: The Case for Better Alcohol Labelling
This report is the most comprehensive audit to date of alcohol labels in the UK and demonstrates why mandatory alcohol labelling is needed.
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
What happens when the alcohol industry becomes the voice of “responsible drinking”? @theactualjim.bsky.social explores how alcohol brands position themselves as advisers on alcohol harm while attention shifts away from the wider drivers of harm & stigma - bit.ly/4u5imRb
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Alcohol Focus Scotland @alcoholfocus.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
"Everything about this new product screams that it’s designed for children. Everything but the contents, that is: the “99” being, in fact, an alcoholic shot." Scotland needs to take action to protect children from #AlcoholMarketing www.the-independent.com/life-style/b...
the-independent.com
BuzzBalls and 99p shots: We’ve reached peak ‘kiddification’ of booze and smoking
A new alcoholic drink has raised alarm bells thanks to its fun, bright packaging and pocket money-friendly price tag. It’s time we stopped giving ‘adult’ products the CBeebies treatment, writes Helen ...
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
🌈 This Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to safer, more inclusive and stigma-free support for LGBTQIA+ communities. Everyone deserves access to support that is compassionate, welcoming and free from judgement 🩷
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Why does alcohol advertising dominate culture while treatment & recovery remain so stigmatised? @theactualjim.bsky.social explores the unequal battle between the alcohol industry’s multi-million-pound marketing machine & under-resourced public health messaging in our latest blog - zurl.co/vEDTg
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🎬 Recovery Street Film Festival 2026 is open for submissions! This year’s theme, Rewriting the Script, explores recovery, identity, transformation & challenging stigma through storytelling. We’re proud to support this space for honest, creative lived-experience stories 💙 zurl.co/WrZqI
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we proudly support the campaign to build a healthier society for everyone. We’re committed to honest conversations about mental health & substances, recognising how connected they can be. Action starts with empathy, listening & supporting each other without judgment
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we’re supporting the call to take action ❤️ Through conversation, education, and community, we can create spaces where people feel safe, heard, and supported without judgement. Let’s keep taking action together.
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
This week we mark 3 years of the Anti-Stigma Network 🌟 With our members & partners, we’ve built a growing network working to reduce stigma around drug & alcohol use through training, resources, policy & lived experience leadership. Read our impact report & join us in creating change - zurl.co/kfCyq
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
This International Harm Reduction Day, we’re highlighting one of the most powerful harm reduction tools we have: language. The words we use can open the door to support and dignity - or reinforce stigma. Explore our Anti-Stigma Language Guide and share your thoughts: zurl.co/TMqUi
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Did you know we have a library of anti-stigma resources? Explore, share, and help us grow it 👇 zurl.co/oKC3i Got something to add? Email us at info@antistigmanetwork.org.uk
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
“Drink responsibly” messaging at football is everywhere - but does it actually reduce harm? Evidence suggests awareness campaigns alone rarely change drinking in these environments. So are we tackling harm - or just shifting responsibility? Read the full piece: zurl.co/weRad
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
“The Merseyside Experiment: Will the UK Recall Its Heroin-Prescribing History?” A look back at UK drug policy when heroin prescribing formed part of a public health approach to dependence. How do fear, stigma, and criminalisation shape drug policy today? Sarah Sinclair investigates - zurl.co/Ba2zL
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
New blog from our guest writer Bea: A powerful piece on substance use, shame, and stigma - and why speaking openly matters. “Stigma survives in silence - and starts to break when we speak.” Read here: zurl.co/k9KaB
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
This #WorldHealthDay: stand with science - and challenge stigma. Stigma harms health. It stops people seeking support. It drives inequality. We’re working together to change the narrative on drug & alcohol use. We stand with science. We stand against stigma. #StandWithScience #EndStigma @who.int
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
🌱 Our No Agenda Drop-ins are back! Come connect, share ideas, and chat all things anti-stigma. No structure, no pressure - just conversation. 📅 12pm-1pm | Tuesday 28 April 💻 Join via Teams: zurl.co/rEg70 Meeting ID: 346 366 601 430 25 Passcode: pn9H55UK
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WHO @who.int · 01/04/2026
How do you make your health decisions? Your health depends on reliable science and evidence-based information. Today’s daily dose. Together for Health #StandWithScience
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
“There’s also a massive stigma…which prevents people from acknowledging and admitting there is something wrong…a narrative that's been developed by the alcohol industry - that it’s ‘irresponsible drinkers’, so if you can’t manage this addictive product, you are somehow irresponsible” - Alice Wiseman
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
People affected by drug and alcohol use are often spoken about – but rarely heard. Actor and producer Stuart Falconer shares how a Scottish theatre production is challenging stigma and bringing real voices to the stage. zurl.co/PSBcW
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Support for people facing substance use challenges is often framed as an economic issue - but is it really? This blog explores how stigma shapes funding, and why those in greatest need are least supported. zurl.co/sLmYH
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Want to play a part in ending stigma? Join the Anti-Stigma Network as an organisational member - for FREE. If your organisation is committed to raising awareness, educating others and sharing stories, we’d love to hear from you. 📩 info@antistigmanetwork.org.uk Let’s challenge stigma - together.
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Traditional anti-drug campaigns often rely on fear and stereotypes that reinforce stigma. Projects like the Opioid Crisis Lookbook centre lived experience and encourage more compassionate conversations about addiction. Read the full article on Talking Drugs website - zurl.co/sHtEv
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week 🌟 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, yet still face stigma. Drug & alcohol experiences can differ - often linked to coping with anxiety or sensory overload. More understanding = better support ♥️ Celebrate difference & challenge stigma 🔗 zurl.co/Cvl3Q
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Mary Beth O'Connor @marybethoconnor.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Simple explanation of #harmreduction, including that it is both effective and cost-effective. #addiction #opioids hri.global/what-is-harm...
hri.global
What is Harm Reduction? - Harm Reduction International
Harm reduction refers to policies, programmes and practices that aim to minimise the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws.
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
A BBC article highlights people in recovery volunteering in their community - something many find empowering. But it raises a question: why do people in recovery feel they should “repay” society? If dependence is a mental health condition, where does this expectation come from? zurl.co/zsd47
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
We’re delighted to welcome Jon Shorrock to the Anti-Stigma Network. With over 30 years’ experience in drug and alcohol services, Jon reflects on the stigma he has witnessed across the sector — and why working together across systems is key to creating real change. Read the blog: zurl.co/FbDTD
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Phoenix Futures @phoenixfutures.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
International Women’s Day reminds us that safety and dignity must be non‑negotiable for every woman. Our new blog explains what needs to change. Read here: zurl.co/Oo4Fd #InternationalWomensDay #InspireInclusion #WomensRights #GenderEquality #WomenSupportingWomen #EndStigma #WomenInRecovery
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Society for the Study of Addiction @addiction-ssa.org · 09/03/2026
For #InternationalWomensDay, we are sharing our latest blog from Nic Adamson, Deputy Chief Executive at @changegrowlive.bsky.social and Chair of the Women’s Treatment Working Group tinyurl.com/5n6vcf8w
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Are you a pharmacist, or do you know someone who is? Here are some helpful ways pharmacies can improve outcomes for those impacted by substance use, including the creation of a stigma-free and psychologically safe environment. Read the seven steps in The Pharmaceutical Journal: zurl.co/GemLD
zurl.co
Seven ways pharmacy can improve outcomes for those impacted by substance use
The Pharmaceutical Journal from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
We know that language can enhance or dismantle stigma and our handy guide is available on our website. If you want to read more about the importance of using non-stigmatising language, Psychology Today has published a new article on this: zurl.co/keyUZ What phrases do you use?
zurl.co
How Words Perpetuate Stigma Surrounding Addiction
When what we say matters: The scientific language of addiction.
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
New research from the US into risk factors for employment stigma has revealed stats concerning job rejection, doubts about being hired and perceived likelihood of being overlooked for a job. Do you work in HR or recruitment? How can we reduce stigma in this area? Read the full study: zurl.co/Yqgf8
link.springer.com
Risk factors for experiencing substance use-related employment stigma among emergency department patients at high risk of opioid overdose
Harm Reduction Journal - People who use drugs report hesitance to seek employment because of stigma around drug use, which other forms of stigma may compound. We evaluated risk factors for...
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The Anti-Stigma Network @anti-stigmanetwork.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
What happens when stigma shapes policy, not evidence? We’ve responded to the ACMD’s call for evidence on drug use in LGBT+ communities & chemsex, drawing on lived experience and frontline insight. Better outcomes start with better understanding👉 zurl.co/ETYl5 #Stigma #LGBTQ+ #ASN
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