Young people more likely to hold negative views of drug addiction
Ben Cook
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Young people aged 16 to 19 are more likely to have negative views of drug addiction than pensioners, according to a review of research into the stigmatisation of drug users.
An evidence review published by the UK Drug Policy Commission found that 87 per cent of people aged 16 to 19 "expressed negative views about drug addiction", compared to only 64 per cent of those aged 65 and over.
The review highlighted the prevalence of stigmatising views of drug addiction among young people, particularly in relation to heroin.
It said a survey of 23 recreational drug users aged 16 to 19 in London found that 21 of them used words such as "dirty", "evil" and "disgusting" to describe heroin use.
The review said that a Canadian study had found that decreasing the stigmatisation surrounding drug addiction could have both positive and negative effects.
"[The Canadian researchers concluded that] while it would be beneficial for problem users in reducing barriers to treatment, there is the possibility that it could lead to greater drug use among young people," it said.
But the review concluded that, on balance, after taking other research into account, it was "unlikely" that the stigmatisation or destigmatisation of problem drug users would have much impact on young people’s early drug use.
It added: "It does not follow that there is no point in informing children about addiction and exposing them to ex-users who can describe their experiences. There may be worth in such approaches if the accent is on developing compassion and understanding: preventing the social stigma that even young children quickly develop towards problem drug users rather than ‘scaring them straight’."
