The relationship between addiction and stigma is undoubtedly complicated … our society is quite comfortable stigmatizing, condemning, and assigning harsh moral judgment to people experiencing addiction. The stigma is often so debilitating that people hide their situations for fear of being discovered. It delays them from getting the help they need. This article will explore these terms to reframe an understanding of them and address how using language loaded with stigma and stereotypes is ultimately part of the problem. It will also look at ways to reduce stigma and share resources that can help people who may be living with addiction, and those who care about them, move towards recovery.

On behalf of your Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program (NSLAP) provider, Homewood HealthTM is pleased to provide the following newsletter “Stigma and Addiction


If you have wellness questions, or are looking for wellness information, visit the NSLAP website at www.nslap.ca. For more information and support, along with resources and counselling on dealing with stigma and addiction, register with Homewood Health™ https://homeweb.ca/. Please note that NSLAP is your “company” name when you register.

Call in confidence, 24 hours a day: 1 866 299 1299 (within Nova Scotia) | (See the website for details about calling from outside Nova Scotia) | 1 866 398 9505 (en français) | 1 888 384 1152 (TTY).