"A shift in perspective on alcohol and other drugs use in the community will contribute to reducing the social and structural stigma that is felt by so many people with alcohol and other drugs issues. It has the potential to ‘normalise’ alcohol and other drugs issues in the community to reduce social isolation and increase the likelihood of people establishing links with community support systems. My shift in perspective came when I was challenged on a number of fronts whilst in residential rehab and I realised that distress caused by alcohol and other drugs use, was a community wide issue and the support I received from virtual strangers, saved my life."

The Stigma around AOD pushes people to the edges of society, impacting all aspects of their lives. It makes people less likely to reach out for any help, including with their money troubles, often resulting in a spiral into financial hardship. The team at FCAWA believe all people have the right to access help when they need it and be treated with dignity and respect.

“If people across the community had a greater understanding of why people used drugs and alcohol, and recognised the complexity of factors that influence use, there may be a chance for more compassion and less stigma for both users and their families. This shift in the community’s perspective, to a more holistic view, could lead to the development of more effective services and supports, for both users and their families.”

"A shift in perception could see evidence-based drug policy that has the potential to significantly improve the public health of Australians and a move away from stigmatising people who use illicit drugs so they are more likely to seek support.”

“The community having a positive shift in perspective on alcohol and other drug use will allow an addict who is in their recovery to become a productive, functional, valuable member in society. This will reduce harm in our community.”

“Often society labels someone with a serious addiction and writes them off. They don’t take into consideration the possibility of serious trauma or the fact that this person could be a mother, father, son, daughter, husband or wife. They are quite often kind, caring, productive members of society. I was given a place to stay, professional support in a caring non - judgmental environment. [I] now work in homelessness. I see myself in so many of the residents where I work, and now I know that there is hope and a future in every one of them. As long as they are ready, and the professional support is available to them, they are able to succeed in life, just like I did."