LANGUAGE CREATES STIGMA

RE: Cocaine addicts in detox soaring (Free Press, Dec. 20).

At first glance, I thought that this story would be just another
attack by a member of the press against people with substance-use
problems and the professionals who try to assist them.

Sensationalized headlines and opening statements using stereotypical
terminology such as "drunks... drunk tank... and dopers" do more harm
than good.

Stigma created by this type of language creates social barriers,
moralizing a public health issue and maintaining negative attitudes
towards people who need help, not branding.

Addiction does not discriminate, people do, and phrases such as those
used by this writer do more harm than good.

Other than that, it was a good story, but please, just lose the
negative language.

Don Crocock, CEAP

Certified Employee Assistance Professional

St. Catharines, Ont.