New Online Learning Suite Helps End the Stigma of Substance Use


OTTAWA, May 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Overcoming Stigma, a suite of online resources to help Canadians recognize the various forms of stigma and their devastating impact on people who use substances, is now complete and available to the public. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) developed the newly released second and third modules in partnership with the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA). The full suite consists of three modules to help change the conversation around stigma and substance use.

The following modules are now available:

Stigma is a major barrier to wellness and good health for people who use substances. It often prevents people from seeking the help they need. Designed to challenge biases, each of the modules uses thought-provoking exercises and videos from experts in the field, including people with lived and living experience with substance use. The modules explain the science of substance use and substance use disorders. They also explore language that acknowledges substance use disorder as a medical condition and not a moral failing.

CCSA is proud to have partnered with CAPSA on these two modules and happy to have had their contributions to complete the suite of resources. How we approach stigma and substance use are part of an ongoing and changing conversation. Even small shifts in language can help to reduce the harms of stigma, improve wellness and break down barriers to recovery across Canada.

For more information on CCSA’s work on eliminating stigma, visit https://www.ccsa.ca/stigma.

Media contact

Wendy Schlachta, Communications Advisor, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Tel.: 1-833-235-4048 ext. 285 I Email: media@ccsa.ca I Twitter: @CCSAcanada

CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives.

CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Canada.