Campaign to tackle drug and alcohol death stigma

A campaign is aiming to tackle the stigma around drug and alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.

A roadshow event is being held in Stirling on 17th February, asking people to sign a pledge showing "compassion" to those affected by substance use.

More than 100 people lost their life to alcohol or drugs in the Forth Valley in 2023.

It's being led by the University of Stirling.

The campaign has received the backing of Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Claire Baker.

Dr Hannah Carver, Senior Lecturer in Substance Use and Co-Director of the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research at the University of Stirling, said: “Having Claire Baker’s support at our roadshow is a strong sign to the public, and to our supporters, that the See Beyond campaign is something to get behind. We know how positive the reaction was to the first phase of our campaign, and we hope this roadshow will help build momentum as we challenge the stereotypes people bring to substance use.” 

 Claire Baker MSP said: “Every life lost to alcohol and drug use has devastating consequences for those individual’s family and friends, and we all know someone whose life has been affected by alcohol or drugs. See Beyond Scotland is helping people to talk about those they have lost, to share the impact on those left behind, and to reduce the stigma around those conversations.  

 “I hope that these roadshow events will further increase awareness of the campaign and I am urging people to sign up to the pledge to show respect and compassion towards everyone affected by substance use. Addressing the stigma around drug and alcohol deaths is a vital aspect of the response needed to ensure that people can reach out for help and be supported in society, without fear.”