Don’t judge, and listen: keys to breaking down drug and alcohol use stigma

Our report to the Queensland Mental Health Commission, ‘Don’t judge, and listen: keys to breaking down drug and alcohol use stigma’ is the outcome of a project done in partnership with The Seedling Group. The research into the effect of stigma and discrimination on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people found that people experience multiple forms of stigma and discrimination which often prevents people from seeking support for mental health and alcohol and other drug use– alongside other barriers such as a lack of access to culturally appropriate services. It also found that strong kinship support and strength in culture and community helped build resilience and improve support. The research highlights the importance of ongoing cultural training, having services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, including Elders, and cultural healing as part of the solution.