Our training attracts attendees from a wide range of sectors and we encourage active participation
in our sessions through group discussions and by inviting individuals to offer comments on issues
relevant to their role. If you have any concerns about participating within this interactive format please
highlight this in the additional needs section of the booking form.
Overview
Stigma can have a profound impact upon the lives of people who use alcohol and other drugs or those
who have a history of substance use. The impact of stigma can permeate numerous aspects of a
person’s life such as their health and wellbeing, relationships, education and employment prospects
and socioeconomic status.
Commonly, family, friends, service providers and institutions often place numerous expectations
on people who use substances to engage in change behaviour, however, the social context that
creates and perpetuates the cycle of stigma is rarely considered or challenged. Through developing a
greater awareness of the wider context that the cycle of stigma fosters and exploring our own role in
reinforcing and challenging stigma, participants can identify new approaches for fostering enhanced
relationships with service users.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session participants will be able to:
• Describe the impact of stigma on people who use substances, people in treatment or in recovery
from substance use.
• Recall language which de-stigmatises people affected by substance use.
• Describe how stigma and discrimination impact on the quality and effectiveness of service
delivery.
• Identify institutional and structural stigma attached to people who use substances, people in
treatment or in recovery from substance use.
Date: 21 October 2025 from 9.15am – 1.30pm  or  Date: 17 March 2026 from 9.15am – 1.30pm
TRAINING WILL BE DELIVERED VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS
To book a place please follow this MS Forms Link
Please email: Mariem@sdf.org.uk if you have any general queries about this event.
Please make sure you can attend if you book a place. Courses are very popular so if you find
you are unable to make it then please let us know as soon as possible so we can allocate your
place to someone on the waiting list.
