Effects of media representations of drug related deaths on public stigma and support for harm reduction

Sumnall, Harry; Atkinson, A. M.; Montgomery, Catharine; Maynard, OM; Nicholls, James

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103909

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 112 publications

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“…This study complemented attribution theory by highlighting the influence of attributions on stigmatising attitudes towards people who use drugs. In addition to personal factors, media reporting—particularly that focused on sensationalised stories or extreme cases—plays a significant role in formulating public perceptions and attitudes regarding drug use, often leading to distorted and exaggerated views [31]. Therefore, responsible and balanced reporting and increased media literacy are crucial in challenging stereotypes, reducing stigma and fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such misunderstandings may be largely due to limited exposure to drug-related issues [27,28]. Furthermore, media reporting about drug-related topics exerts substantial influence on the shaping of public perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards individuals who use drugs [29][30][31]. Previous Chinese media sources, such as the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [32], have reported common motives for drug use, including curiosity, boredom, socialising with friends, imitating others and stress release, contributing to the formation of a negative opinion towards people who use drugs and leading to stigmatisation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Policies for recovery from drug use: Differences between public stigma and perceived stigma and associated factors

Luo,

Xu,

Zhang

2024

Drug and Alcohol Review

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IntroductionPublic stigma towards people who use drugs is widespread and places obstacles in way of their recovery. Previous studies have used different approaches to measure public stigma, resulting in a notable gap in the understanding of the relationship between it and its associated factors. Some studies measure public stigma by assessing stigma perceived by those who use drugs, while others investigate attitudes towards them among the general public. This study aimed to compare perceived and public stigma, and factors related to these two variables.MethodsThe study comprised a cross‐sectional survey in China of two samples: males who used drugs (N = 257) and the general public (N = 376). The survey assessed demographic variables, social distance, public stigma and perceived stigma of those who use drugs. The data were analysed using t‐tests and linear regression.ResultsPublic stigma was significantly higher than perceived stigma. The findings indicated that gender, knowledge of drugs, family relationships with people who use drugs, attributions of drug use and social distance were significantly related to levels of public stigma. Among those who use drugs, perceived stigma was significantly correlated with age, marital status, duration of drug abstinence and social distance.Discussion and ConclusionsFindings indicate that public stigma undermines the recovery of people who use drugs and highlight the importance of interaction between them and the social environment. The study also underscores the necessity of developing policies to enhance their integration into mainstream culture and provide access to social support and life activities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Policies for recovery from drug use: Differences between public stigma and perceived stigma and associated factors

Luo,

Xu,

Zhang

2024

Drug and Alcohol Review

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“…Despite the promise of policy changes around SUD and mental illness, however, a major challenge is that the will and ability to make such changes is influenced by public opinion. Research consistently finds that individuals with higher levels of public stigma have lower support for enacting and implementing a wide variety of laws and programs that benefit people with mental illness and SUD, including parity in insurance coverage, harm-reduction programs, MOUD expansion, and government spending on health and social services for these populations (Barry et al, 2014; Cheetham et al, 2022; McGinty et al, 2018; McGinty & White, 2022; Sumnall et al, 2023). Stigma also strongly shapes support for punitive criminal-justice-focused approaches to the problem of SUD over public health strategies to address addiction (Kennedy-Hendricks et al, 2017).…”

Section: Developing Interventions That Are Effective In Reducing Stig...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Stigma Toward Substance Dependence: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Interventions

Krendl,

Perry

2023

Psychol Sci Public Interest

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Substance dependence is a prevalent and urgent public health problem. In 2021, 60 million Americans reported abusing alcohol within the month prior to being surveyed, and nearly 20 million Americans reported using illegal drugs (e.g., heroin) or prescription drugs (e.g., opioids) for nonmedical reasons in the year before. Drug-involved overdose rates have been steadily increasing over the past 20 years. This increase has been primarily driven by opioid and stimulant use. Despite its prevalence, drug dependence is one of the most stigmatized health conditions. Stigma has myriad negative consequences for its targets, including limiting their access to employment and housing, disrupting interpersonal relationships, harming physical and mental health, and reducing help-seeking. However, because research on stigma toward people with substance use disorders (SUDs) is relatively sparse compared with research on stigma toward other mental illnesses, the field lacks a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of SUD stigma. Moreover, it remains unclear how, if at all, these factors differ from other types of mental illness stigma. The goal of this review is to take stock of the literature on SUD stigma, providing a clear set of foundational principles and a blueprint for future research and translational activity.

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“…Stigmatising labels and assumptions from the UK government are part of widely circulating societal norms, reflected within health and drug services,4748 the media, and public opinion 234950. Attention to these overall networks is crucial.…”

Section: Stigma Has Hampered Progressmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stigma is stopping an evidence based response to drug overdose deaths in the UK

Guise

Harris

McCusker

et al. 2023

BMJ

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Effects of media representations of drug related deaths on public stigma and support for harm reduction

Cited by 9 publications

References 112 publications

Policies for recovery from drug use: Differences between public stigma and perceived stigma and associated factors

Policies for recovery from drug use: Differences between public stigma and perceived stigma and associated factors

Stigma Toward Substance Dependence: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Interventions

Stigma is stopping an evidence based response to drug overdose deaths in the UK

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