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Hertfordshire County Council

 

 

 

Stigma stops people who use drugs and alcohol from accessing treatment and support when they need it most. In Hertfordshire, 68% of residents told us they feel judged for their drug and alcohol use - and many avoid seeking support because of it. 

Misinformation fuels harmful stereotypes making it seem like drug and alcohol dependence is a choice. It’s not. It’s a serious health condition and the consequences are real.

In 2023, England recorded a record 8,274 alcohol-related deaths, and drug-related deaths are still rising.

No one should feel ashamed to ask for help. Breaking the stigma starts with understanding drug and alcohol dependency, offering support, and making an effort to challenge harmful misconceptions.

 

 

 

Create barriers to seeking help

Many people avoid getting help because they fear judgement or rejection.

Stigma can make them worry about being labelled as "weak" or "irresponsible," preventing them from reaching out to healthcare providers, support groups, or even loved ones.

This delays recovery and can lead to worsening health and deeper addiction over time.

 

Create shame and isolation

Stigma can create deep feelings of guilt and shame, making people believe they are unworthy of help. 

This can lead to withdrawal from friends, family, and support networks, cutting them off from the very connections that could help in their recovery.

 

Reduce access to resources

When drug and alcohol use is stigmatised, it affects individuals and impacts entire communities and support systems.


Stigma can lead to less funding for treatment programs, fewer available services, and a lack of public awareness, making it much harder for people to find the help and resources they need.

 

What you can do to reduce the stigma


 

 

Drug and alcohol dependency doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s a complex health condition that can be a result of mental health struggles, trauma, social influences, and much more.

Watch our video playlist to understand more about drug and alcohol dependency. 

 

 

To cope with trauma or mental health

Many people use substances to deal with anxiety, depression, or trauma. It helps them feel better temporarily but can lead to dependency.

They might also use drugs or alcohol to ease or manage pain, to sleep, forget, or numb their feelings, and to reduce anxiety or fear.

 

To socialise and connect with others

Some use alcohol or drugs in social settings to relax, have fun, or boost confidence. While not everyone will develop a problem, social use can sometimes turn into more frequent use and dependency.

Learned behavior and peer pressure can also play a role in substance use.

 

To increase performance

People might use substances to stay awake, focused, or perform better at work, school, or during training. These can provide short-term benefits but often come with health risks and the potential for dependency.

Some might also use substances to enhance sexual performance.

 

 

 

Alcohol is everywhere. It's legal, socially accepted, and often encouraged.

But drinking beyond recommended limits can lead to dependence, causing physical, mental, and emotional harm before realising it.

In 2024, 1 in 4 people aimed to cut back their alcohol intake, however some worried about being judged or pressured for their decision.

Let's take a look at different drinking habits...

 

Low risk drinking

Low risk drinkers:

  • Drink less than 14 units per week (that's no more than 6 pints of beer or 6 small wines).
  • Space drinks out over at least 3 days.
  • Have 3 or more alcohol-free days per week.
  • Feel in control - they drink because they choose to, not because they need to.

Risky drinking

Risky drinkers:

  • Often drink more than 14 units per week (that's over 6 pints of beer or 6 small wines per week).
  • Regularly drink 6-8 units in one session, or more - this is binge drinking.
  • Use alcohol to unwind, cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom.
  • Find it harder to say no or stop after one or two drinks.
  • Notice physical or emotional effects like poor sleep, mood swings and anxiety.

High risk drinking

High risk drinkers:

  • Drink every day or most days.
  • Feel out of control and struggle to stop or regulate intake.
  • Have withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, like shaking, nausea and irritability.
  • Drink in the morning or alone to feel “normal”.
  • Hide drinking or feel guilty about it.

 

 

 

 

1. Initial use
Not everyone who uses drugs will become dependent. Drug use often starts as fun, curiosity, or stress relief, providing a temporary escape or thrill.

2. Regular use
The brain starts linking drug use with feeling better, making it a go-to solution for stress or discomfort.

3. Tolerance builds
It takes more of the substance to get the same effect, leading to increased consumption and riskier behaviour.

4. Dependence forms
The person feels sick, anxious, or low without it, experiencing physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Drug use becomes less about pleasure and more about avoiding withdrawal or coping with life. It dominates daily routines and priorities.

 

Visit FRANK to understand what different drug use and dependency looks like.
If you know someone who might have a drug problem, support is available including needle and syringe packs and Naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdoses.

Find drug treatment services and support

 

 

 

Know the types of support available

The right support depends on a person’s situation and where they are in their recovery journey.

Professional treatment services

Specialist organisations offer help to people at different stages of dependency.

Examples of treatment services

  • drug and alcohol support and treatment for young people and adults.
  • 12-step programmes like Fellowships (PDF), Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotiics Anonymous. View a map of recovery meeting locations.
  • community groups and support
  • accomodation support.

 

Self help resources

For those who prefer independent recovery there are several options.

Examples of self-help resources

  • an online recovery support programme available 24/7
  • advice and information on trust
  • an app to track drinking and set alcohol-free goals.

 

Support for families and carers

If you’re worried about a loved one’s alcohol or drug use, you’re not alone.

Examples of support for families

  • a chat tool for tailored advice
  • practical guidance on how to have difficult conversations.
  • family support groups and online forums where similar experiences can be shared.

 

  

What you can do to reduce stigma

There are things that we can all do to help reduce stigma and increase the number of people who reach out for support.

Have compassionate conversations

Starting a conversation about drugs or alcohol can be tough, but you don’t need to have all the answers. 

Simply listening without judgement and offering encouragement can make a huge difference.

Get tips on how to talk to someone. Even if they're not ready to seek help, you can support them by staying informed, knowing local resources, and creating a safe space for them to talk.

 

Share stories of recovery to raise awareness

Drug and alcohol dependency is a treatable health condition, and recovery is possible.

Hearing real stories from those who have been through it helps break down stigma and remind people that change is achievable.

Read a message of hope (PDF) by a Hertfordshire resident: "It’s all about finding what works for you. The important thing is taking that first step..."

 

Understand why people use drugs and alcohol

Simply put, drug and alcohol dependency is not a choice - it’s often a response to trauma, mental health struggles, or social pressures.

Knowing more about addiction can turn judgement into compassion. Take a deep dive into the causes of addiction with Davina McCall.

If you work with people with dependency find useful resources in our End stigma toolkit.

 

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