Breaking the Silence: Rethinking Stigma Around Substance Use

Substance use touches the lives of many Australians, yet it’s still surrounded by stigma and judgement.

Alcohol-related harm remains high: in 2022-23 about 1 in 5 Australians (approx. 4.6 million) aged over 14 experienced some form of verbal, physical or fear-based harm from someone under the influence of alcohol in the prior 12 months. https://adf.org.au/about/media/2922024-report-aod-trends

Around 47% of Australians aged 14 and over (~10.2 million people) have used an illicit drug at some point in their life; in the previous 12 months about 18% had used one. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/illicit-drug-use

These figures show that substance use isn’t rare or isolated — it’s something that touches a significant portion of the Australian population.

I have learnt to not ask 'what's wrong with a person?' but instead 'what has happened to a person?'. Substance abuse is often a coping strategy, shaped by many factors — personal history, trauma, stress, and mental health challenges. It’s rarely as simple as willpower or personal failure.

Negative stereotypes in society prevent people from getting the help that they need. Instead of support and care a person receives shame, guilt, or a sense of unworthiness. Someone might start to believe they’re “bad” or “weak,” which can lead to secrecy, isolation, and a reluctance to reach out for help. But the truth is, substance use is complex.

One of the most powerful ways to break this stigma is to have open, honest conversations about substance use, normalise the experience and start to dismantle harmful myths. By reframing substance use as a health issue rather than a moral failing, we create space for compassion, healing, and change — the same way we would for any other physical or mental health concern.

Small Steps Supporting Others/Self Towards Healing

1. Educate Yourself

Learn about the realities of substance use — its causes, effects, and the different paths to recovery. Knowledge helps replace judgement with empathy.

2. Seek Support

Reach out to supportive friends, family, or professionals who listen without judgement. Peer groups and counselling can be incredibly grounding and healing. You are not alone.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Everyone struggles. Try to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a close friend going through a tough time.

4. Share Your Story

If you feel safe to, speaking about your experience can be powerful — this is where a counsellor, support group, pastor or some other person can be beneficial towards healing and recovery.

5. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Notice when you’re being harsh on yourself. Pause and replace those thoughts with reminders of your strength, courage, and worth.

Whether you’re personally navigating substance use or supporting someone who is, remember: everyone deserves respect, dignity, and access to care.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know could use help, these services offer free and confidential support:

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/drug-help?language=en

Together we can make a real difference and reduce the barriers for people seeking help and help them to break the barriers to getting support. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like any further information. suzbocking@gmail.com