Reducing stigma and discrimination for people experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use

This project, commissioned by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, aims to identify effective ways of reducing stigma and discrimination which has a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use. Specifically the research will examine:

• How stigma and discrimination presents and manifests, including where it is not experienced; The settings and sectors in which stigma and discrimination occurs; The impacts of stigma and discrimination on mental health and wellbeing and in particular on recovery and the ability to reconnect with the community; The commonalities and differences across varying types of drug use (for example alcohol vs illicit drug use); The commonalities and differences experienced by different groups who experience problematic alcohol and other drug use; and * The evidence of what works to address stigma and discrimination.

The research design involved three interrelated components:

1. Literature review 2. Policy and legislative review 3. Analytical case studies based on qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews.

The findings are published in Monograph No. 26: Reducing Stigma and Discrimination for People Experiencing Problematic Alcohol and Other Drug Use.