Stigma isn’t just a word — it’s a barrier. It shows up in conversations, in healthcare, in policy, and in the very way we talk about people who use substances. This post explores how stigma harms people who use substances by blocking access to care, fueling shame and isolation, and reinforcing negative stereotypes. Not everyone who uses substances has a problem with it, yet stigma paints everyone with the same brush. It's time to change the conversation — and build a culture of compassion and understanding that supports recovery in all its forms.

Image and themes in this blog post were borrowed and inspired by Never Use Alone hotline, a National Overdose Prevention Lifeline 800-484-3731. Providing no-cost 24/7/365 overdose prevention monitoring, detection, and crisis response and reversal call center services for people who use drugs alone who are at highest risk of a fatal accidental overdose.