Support for people affected by addiction

If you would like information about stopping smoking, you can visit these websites: 

• Local help to stop smoking - NHS Inform
• ASH Scotland

If you are concerned about a friend or family member's drug use, visit Scottish Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol for information and support.

It can be difficult to talk about someone’s drinking and/or drug use. People often feel shame and stigma about using drugs or alcohol and may prefer to keep their use, or the extent of their use, a secret. It is important to talk to your friends or family about their alcohol or drug use if it is causing challenges in their life, but there are some ways you can do it which might make them feel less ashamed and more likely to open up.

• Guidance for talking to a friend or loved one about drug use - Change Grow Live
• How to talk to teenagers and young people about drugs - The Conversation

Language matters

Language matters when talking about people who use drugs or alcohol, as they can often be stigmatised and discriminated against and language plays an important part in this. Language frames how people who use drugs or alcohol are thought about and seen by others. There are some resources which can help with how to talk about drug or alcohol use.

Here are some resources that provide information about appropriate language and suggested terms: 

• Scottish Drugs Forum
• Global Commission on Drugs Policy
• Towards the Heart