The language we use when communicating about alcohol and other drugs can frame how we think about the subject. In Turning Point Scotland we have been working on this issue for the last couple of years and we know just how sensitive a topic it can be. We were delighted when DRNS asked us to co-host this event on 5th December 2024 on TEAMS.

The event was chaired by Dr Anna Ross, she set the tone for the session by introducing the concept of “Respective dialogue”.

Presentations at the session included:

• Moving beyond people first language, Austin Smith- Head of Policy, Practice and Communication, Scottish Drugs Forum

• Citizenship and Identity: the transformative power of language, Jan Mayor, Innovation & Practice Lead and Karen Black, Citizenship and Research Manager Turning Point Scotland

• De-Stigmatising language in substance use research Dr April Shaw, Programme Leader, Contemporary Drug and Alcohol Studies, University of the West Scotland

• Whose Definition? Fear based responses to everyday words James Armstrong, Director of Marketing and Innovation, Phoenix Futures

• Reanimated Stigma: The effects of use of ‘Zombie Drug’ metaphors in news media on public attitudes towards people who use drugs Professor Harry Sumnall, Professor in Substance Use in the School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moors University

• Discriminating language Fiona Gilbertson, Founder, Recovering Justice

The presentations explored a broad range of perspectives on the topic coming from practice, research, academia and lived and living experience. The audience engaged by asking searching questions and adding useful insights from their own experience. We were particularly struck by comments about how language impacts on an individual’s identity in relation to their alcohol and other drug use and this really chimes with the ethos of our Citizenship approach.

Dr Anna Ross’s sensitive navigation through the complexities of the topic, when chairing the discussion was key to making it an event where people were able to communicate constructively with one another in an online environment. The feedback we have received from the event has been extremely positive. This has come from people working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs field, homelessness services, children and families, the policy arena and academia. The overwhelming message was how people went away with new ideas, new ways of thinking, and how engaging the event was.

Whilst we’ve been working on the TPS approach to language for the last 4 years, nevertheless we learnt a lot from the other panellists and participants. This was definitely a successful knowledge exchange event and we went away with lots to think about and new connections with people to collaborate with.

If you are interested you can watch videos of the presentations below.

We are looking forward to the DRNS Networking event on 29th January, come along and chat to us there. More information on that here.