On International Overdose Awareness Day, Tasmania’s Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council has released its Communications Charter.
Council CEO Alison Lai explains it is designed to guide the community to communicate in way that reduces the shame around alcohol and drug use and open pathways to treatment.
“We know that stigma is one of thebiggest barriers for people who might be wanting to seek help for drug use, we know that the way in which we talk about drug use or talk about them as individuals and the choices that they make is going to stop people from wanting to seek support if they choose that they need it.”
“The communications charter sets out a way forward, with signatories agreeing to not use polarising and aggressive language like fight, combat, battle or war when referring to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs or people who use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.”
