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This page provides information about drug stigma including how you can help tackle it, resources, further reading and learning.
The information on this website may affect some readers. Please take care when reading. If you feel affected by what you have read, support is available.
NHSGGC Alcohol and Drugs Health Improvement
Mental Health Improvement – NHSGGC
If you, or someone you know are in distress and need an immediate response call the emergency services on 999 or NHS24 on 111.
People who use drugs, people in recovery from drug use, families and communities can experience stigma.
Stigma is the social process of devaluing a person beginning with marking or labelling someone’s differences then attributing negative values to those differences. Stigma is closely linked to prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination. Stigma intersects with other ways people are disempowered and marginalised (ethnicity, gender and sexual identity among others) often increasing risk and harm.
Tackling drug stigma is a national priority and it is recognised in the Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland’s Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan 2026 – 2035 that it continues to be a barrier to accessing help and support which is the biggest protective factor for reducing harm, drug overdose and death.
Tackling stigma and understanding how it connects to other ways people are disadvantaged, is vital to addressing drug related harm, including deaths.
Tackling drug stigma at all levels is essential to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for people who use drugs and helps people feel a greater connection to society, more included and more likely to access treatment and support for recovery.
Recognising stigma is the first step to tackling it. When you witness stigmatising behaviour, you have a choice about the action you take. Taking action shows that stigmatising behaviour is not acceptable. We don’t all need to be experts, but we all have a role in tackling drug stigma. Understanding stigma and approaching interactions with kindness and compassion is the key.
The GGC Drug Stigma Action Group is a multi-agency partnership, established in 2023, bringing together statutory and third sector organisations to deliver a coordinated approach to tackling drug related stigma across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Group membership includes:
The group works alongside local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) and has links to the National Stigma Action Plan. Its work is guided by people with lived and living experience, strengthening collective action to reduce drug stigma, promote social inclusion and social justice for people who are affected by drugs.
If you are interested in joining the GGC Drug Stigma Action Group please contact ggc.mhead@nhs.scot*.
*Please note that this is a generic admin inbox and not monitored immediately. If you, or someone you know are in distress and need an immediate response call the emergency services on 999 or NHS24 on 111.
The Drug Stigma Toolkit has been designed by the GGC Drug Stigma Action Group as a cascading and capacity building resource that aims to support partners, groups and organisations to tackle drug stigma.
Everyone who uses the toolkit is encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes and language and use this resource to start meaningful conversations within teams, services, across communities and to tackle drug stigma wherever it is encountered. By taking action together, we can help create a more compassionate and supportive response to drug harm.
Licence Information:
Copyright © NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2026
Tackling Drug Stigma is Everyone’s Business Toolkit © 2026 by NHSGGC is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
Toolkit Evaluation
The evaluation questions will help identify who is using the “Tackling Drug Stigma is Everyone’s Business” toolkit and in what settings it is being used. This will help us assess its reach, highlight any gaps, and identify which groups or settings may benefit from additional support or engagement. By collecting this feedback, we can continue to learn, improve the resources, and ensure the toolkit remains relevant, accessible, and effective in tackling drug stigma.
“Tackling Drug Stigma is Everyone’s Business” Toolkit Evaluation
Thank you for taking the time to share your views.
Evaluation responses are reviewed periodically at set points throughout the year. If you have any additional feedback on the toolkit or wish to discuss anything further, please contact ggc.mhead@nhs.scot*.
*Please note that this is a generic admin inbox and not monitored immediately. If you, or someone you know are in distress and need an immediate response call the emergency services on 999 or NHS24 on 111.
“Tackling Drug Stigma is Everyone’s Business” Framing Document.
This resource has been developed as a tool to:
The workshop is not training but is designed to raise awareness of drug stigma, the impact it can have, and what action can be taken to tackle this.
The workshop can be delivered by anyone who has an interest in tackling drug stigma. No prior experience or qualifications are required to deliver the workshop, although facilitators are encouraged to review the “Tackling Drug Stigma Is Everyone’s Business” Framing Document before delivery.
The workshop is best delivered in person but can be delivered online, if required. For those who are looking to deliver the workshop online, using a virtual learning space such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, please ensure you follow your own organisational guidance for online delivery.
The films below have been created by people with lived and living experience across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, sharing personal perspectives on drug stigma and its impact on individuals affected by drugs.
All language and views expressed within the videos are participants own views.
‘Stigma Kills’ – This film shares how drug stigma affects both men and women, explores its impact, and highlights actions that can tackle it.
‘Stigma is a Barrier to Good Health and Quality of Life’ – This film shares how drug stigma affects women, explores its impact on women and highlights actions that can tackle it.
‘Everyone Knows Someone’ – This film shares how drug stigma affects families when a loved one uses drugs, the impact on their lives, and highlights actions that can tackle it.
‘It’s Everyone’s Business to Tackle Stigma’ – This film highlights why tackling drug stigma is essential to support people affected by drugs to access services, including actions that can tackle drug stigma in practice.
‘Words Matter’ – This film shares how drug stigma can affect people living in prison, explores its impact and highlights actions that can tac
The Conversation Cards have been designed as a tool encourage conversations about drug stigma, challenge assumptions and reflect in a safe and respectful way.
Prior to using the conversation cards, you are encouraged to review the “Tackling Drug Stigma Is Everyone’s Business” Framing Document.
Each Conversation Card links to the Framing Document, where you can explore more information to help inform your discussions – Drug Stigma Conversation Cards.
Thank you for supporting the ‘Tackling Drug Stigma Is Everyone’s Business’ Toolkit. Please use our communications pack, social media assets and suggested posts to spread the word across your channels.
An independent advocacy service/advocate can:
If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol or drugs you can access independent advocacy in your local area:
Access further learning on drugs and how to tackle drug stigma.
We have gathered a range of papers which will provide you with helpful background reading into drug stigma.
Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland’s Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan 2026 – 2035: The Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan sets out the Scottish Government and COSLA’s long-term approach to addressing alcohol and drug harms.
Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use in Scotland | WithYou: In December 2024 The National Collaborative published a Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use contributing to Scotland’s National Mission to reduce deaths and improve the lives of those impacted by substances.
National Mission on Drug Deaths: The aim of the National Mission is to reduce drug deaths and improve the lives of those impacted by drugs. This document shows how this will be done.
National Stigma Action Plan: Cross government response to the Drug Deaths Taskforce report, Changing Lives. It contains a cross government action plan, response to Taskforce recommendations and a stigma action plan.
A Strategy to Address the Stigmatisation of People and Communities Affected by Drug Use: The aim of this strategy is to lead a more informed and compassionate approach across society toward people with a drug problem, lived experience of drug use and their families.
We acknowledge that stigma does not exist in isolation. There are many overlapping factors that influence a person’s individual experience of stigma.
These resources provide further guidance on how best to frame our language and communication to tackle stigma when discussing these topics.
How To Talk About Alcohol – Framing recommendations to deepen understanding of harm and build support for action.
Talking About Poverty – A framing toolkit to challenge and change the story about we tell about poverty.
Talking About Community Justice – A framing toolkit that aims to transform the current public narrative and perceptions around community justice
End Mental Health Discrimination – See Me is Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
National Trauma Transformation Programme – This website provides access to evidence-based training, tools and guidance to support trauma-informed and responsive systems, organisations and workforces in Scotland
The Awards are designed to showcase the exceptional work taking place across NHSGGC every day, and recognise excellence in patient care, innovation, leadership, sustainability, staff wellbeing, volunteering and tackling health inequalities.
This is your chance to celebrate the individuals, teams and initiatives making a difference across NHSGGC.
If a member of staff has made a real difference to your care or you have a colleague you think should be recognised,
select the appropriate button below to place your votes.
Closing date for nominations is noon on Friday 24 July 2026.
The People’s Choice Award recognises an individual, group, or team whose dedication, compassion, and commitment make a meaningful difference to the lives of people across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. This award celebrates those whose contributions often happen behind the scenes and may go largely unrecognised, yet have a profound impact on patients, families, colleagues, and communities.
Nominees embody the values of the NHS through exceptional care, kindness, and a willingness to go above and beyond their everyday responsibilities. Whether through small acts of support or sustained efforts that improve the experiences and outcomes of others, they demonstrate an unwavering commitment to helping people when they need it most.
This award shines a light on those unsung heroes whose work makes a real and lasting difference, inspiring others through their dedication and selfless service.
Nominations closed on Friday 24 July 2026.
This page is dedicated to recognising the incredible work happening across NHSGGC. From innovative ideas and outstanding patient care to award wins and everyday acts of kindness, this is where we’ll shine a light on the people and teams making a real difference.
People across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are being invited to submit their nominations for this year’…
People across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are being invited to nominate outstanding staff, teams and s…
Message from Karen Lockhart, Assistant Chief Officer, Adult Services, Glasgow HSCP. I wanted to take…
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Diagnostics Dir…
In 2025/26, a total of 3,403 Care Opinion stories were shared. We would like to say a sincere thank …
This page brings together newsletter editions for this sector, with updates, staff stories and practical information from across local services. Browse the latest issue or download previous editions below.
Our sector newsletters bring together the latest staff news, service updates and good news stories from across our services in one place. Each edition is available as a downloadable PDF, making it easier to read the latest issue and look back at previous editions.
Partnership working is fundamental to NHSGGC, this course aims to build confidence and capability in effective partnership working for all NHSGGC staff, especially managers and staff side reps.
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
All NHSGGC staff including any managers, supervisors and staff side reps.
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Wednesday 19th August 2026, 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm via MS Teams
Wednesday 21st October 2026, 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm via MS Teams
Wednesday 2nd December 2026, 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm via MS Teams – Booking opens 01/08/2026
To book a place on the course, please use the eESS Login (scot.nhs.uk) Learner self-service facility. From the Learner Home page, enter the course name in the box at the top of the page to see all available dates. You can also use keywords to search for courses. Remember to have your eESS user id and password available to access the system.
Guidance on how to search for Learning and Development on eESS OLM can be found here:
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If you need any information on specific course content, the venue or booking process, please do not hesitate to contact Learning and Education Support Team on 0141 278 2700 (Option 3).
