A campaign has been launched to erase stereotypes about people who use drugs, whether prescription or illicit.
The Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy says the stereotypes make it more difficult to provide treatment and prevent overdose.
The local health unit says similar to what occurs with mental health, people tend to hide their use of drugs to avoid the stigma that would be attached to them, and for those using drugs, hiding their use can prevent them from seeking treatment out of fear of being shamed, or losing their jobs.
Regardless of their social or economic status, the health unit says people with drug addiction need to be treated with respect by family, friends, employers, service providers, and by society as a whole.
Campaign information: http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/Drugs/People-who-use-drugs
