Stress, Stigma, & Safety 101

Stress, Stigma, Safety 101" is a training program that focuses on anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches to dismantling the intergenerational impacts of substance use stigma. Substance use stigma is widely recognized as a stressor and a significant social determinant of health. It manifests through harmful assumptions, practices, policies, and the absence of protective measures, affecting not only individuals who use substances but also their children. The extent to which this stigma negatively affects the well-being of families depends on intersecting identities, individual needs, and the availability of resources and support.

Through the utilization of anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches, this two-hour training equips participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively identify and address the intergenerational impact of substance use-related stigma. By engaging in the sharing of data, personal stories, and ongoing self-reflection, participants enhance their capacity in the following areas:

• Identifying the diverse ways in which stigma manifests in society, systems, and individuals, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of its presence and effects.
• Connecting the historical context of substance use-related discrimination to present-day inequities, recognizing the lasting consequences of such stigma.
• Assessing biases, power dynamics, and privileges related to the intersecting identities and needs of clients who use substances, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic approach.
• Promoting safety for families by disrupting systemic harm through trauma-informed approaches, acknowledging and addressing the complex trauma resulting from intergenerational stigma.
• Empowering families impacted by intergenerational stigma, providing them with hope and the resources to move forward positively in their lives.

This training enables participants to dismantle the intergenerational impacts of substance use stigma by employing anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices, while ensuring the well-being and support of entire families.