Healthy Communities • YMCA Youth Programs
How to boost your media awareness about opioids coverage
24 April 2023 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Do you have a favourite viral video or TikTok dance? Do you follow any influencers? Media is a compelling, non-stop presence in our day-to-day lives. We constantly consume media and it affects the way we see and interact with the world around us. Increasingly, opioids and substance use disorders are being represented in the media, whether it’s on social media, the news, movies, TV shows, or music, and how we interact with and interpret the information is important.
As humans, we tend to copy what we see. This can mean we imitate the behaviours shown or the beliefs of characters we observe, whether they’re negative or positive. Studies indicate that media can influence our attitudes toward substance use and even initiate our first exposure to them. So when we see main characters snorting or injecting drugs and losing control of their lives, our minds make the connection that drugs equal bad things therefore people who use drugs are bad. (Scarface, anyone?) But this is not always the case. De-stigmatizing opioid use in media is one way to break down the barrier and help people who use feel seen and encourage them to seek help.
Representation in media can empower us with the right language and framework to talk about difficult issues.
When what we see in the media resonates with our own lives, we are more likely to have an emotional response. The portrayal of substance use and how a person can seek help is one way we can initiate conversation with our friends and communities more openly and confidently. When media starts to normalize substance use and to encourage us to de-stigmatize people who use, we can start to create a safer and more welcoming society that works together to find solutions.
When it comes to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), movie studios are shining a light on this disease and the many ways it has affected our population. Seeing the representation of people struggling with substances, in movies like A Star is Born, Rachel Getting Married, and Requiem for a Dream, can offer insight into the ways people cope with substance use disorders and help de-stigmatize people who use. Films about substance use that provide hope and redemption, like Rocketman, can encourage and motivate us to find resources for help.
By raising awareness about substance use, media can educate us about this disease and separate fact from fiction.
Media has the power to unite and motivate us to fight for something bigger than ourselves. As stigma is often a barrier that stops individuals from seeking help, more representation is a good first step toward building a society that doesn’t judge those in need of assistance. When we understand opioid use and addiction can happen to anyone, no matter who we are or where we come from, we can empower ourselves with the necessary tools needed to recognize and support people who use. We can develop coping mechanisms to avoid substance use disorders, and understand the language needed to talk openly about substance use within our communities.
How can we avoid going down the stigmatizing media rabbit hole? Here are some tips:
To learn more and sign up for our Youth Opioids Awareness Program workshops, a series of six workshops for youth ages 15 to 24. You can also check out our other blog posts that offer helpful information and tips about opioids.
If you are struggling with opioids or know someone who needs help, contact these resources:
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
1-888-688-6677
Brave App
www.towardtheheart.com
As humans, we tend to copy what we see. This can mean we imitate the behaviours shown or the beliefs of characters we observe, whether they’re negative or positive. Studies indicate that media can influence our attitudes toward substance use and even initiate our first exposure to them. So when we see main characters snorting or injecting drugs and losing control of their lives, our minds make the connection that drugs equal bad things therefore people who use drugs are bad. (Scarface, anyone?) But this is not always the case. De-stigmatizing opioid use in media is one way to break down the barrier and help people who use feel seen and encourage them to seek help.
Representation in media can empower us with the right language and framework to talk about difficult issues.
When what we see in the media resonates with our own lives, we are more likely to have an emotional response. The portrayal of substance use and how a person can seek help is one way we can initiate conversation with our friends and communities more openly and confidently. When media starts to normalize substance use and to encourage us to de-stigmatize people who use, we can start to create a safer and more welcoming society that works together to find solutions.
When it comes to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), movie studios are shining a light on this disease and the many ways it has affected our population. Seeing the representation of people struggling with substances, in movies like A Star is Born, Rachel Getting Married, and Requiem for a Dream, can offer insight into the ways people cope with substance use disorders and help de-stigmatize people who use. Films about substance use that provide hope and redemption, like Rocketman, can encourage and motivate us to find resources for help.
By raising awareness about substance use, media can educate us about this disease and separate fact from fiction.
Media has the power to unite and motivate us to fight for something bigger than ourselves. As stigma is often a barrier that stops individuals from seeking help, more representation is a good first step toward building a society that doesn’t judge those in need of assistance. When we understand opioid use and addiction can happen to anyone, no matter who we are or where we come from, we can empower ourselves with the necessary tools needed to recognize and support people who use. We can develop coping mechanisms to avoid substance use disorders, and understand the language needed to talk openly about substance use within our communities.
How can we avoid going down the stigmatizing media rabbit hole? Here are some tips:
- Fact Check. If what you see or read doesn’t make sense, check with the experts and find out the facts.
- Use Reputable Sources. Is the information you are receiving from a news outlet, social media, YouTube? Try and use a qualified news source or peer-reviewed publication when seeking information.
- Educate Yourself. Take time to engage with the information and continue to expand your learning.
- Take a Break. We all need to take a break from media and engage with the world around us from time to time. Try to prioritize your mental well-being by being mindful of how much media you are taking in on a daily basis.
To learn more and sign up for our Youth Opioids Awareness Program workshops, a series of six workshops for youth ages 15 to 24. You can also check out our other blog posts that offer helpful information and tips about opioids.
If you are struggling with opioids or know someone who needs help, contact these resources:
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
1-888-688-6677
Brave App
www.towardtheheart.com
