The impact on stigmatisation of the Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act : a professionals’ perspective

Abstract

This study aims to explore whether the enactment of the Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act (DDA) (2015) impacted the stigmatisation experienced by drug abusers, and its manifestation. The current public perception towards drug users was investigated, along with the resulting way such individuals view themselves and their experience through the perspective of professionals working with them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four participants working with substance users in rehabilitation programmes and with two probation officers, thus participants were recruited through purposeful sampling. The gathered information was analysed using thematic analysis through a system of coding and categorising of the participant's thoughts and views regarding the processes of stigmatisation of substance abuse in Malta. The findings indicate that while the enactment of the DDA (2015) did impact the stigmatisation experienced through less incarceration and imprisonment, other factors also play a big role in public perception. The resulting impact of such stigmatisation was found to result in the internalising of negative attributes by problem users which has implications on treatment seeking and on the experience of rehabilitated individuals when reintegrating back into society. The data analysed suggests that stigmatisation experienced by incarcerated individuals has reduced in recent years, however, there is still a great need for education and valid information available to the general public as the labelling of drug users as ‘junkies’ is still prominent in our society. The enactment of the DDA (2015) was thus an important step in changing the general public’s view of drug users as criminals and eliminating the implications of such double stigma, however it is clear that further improvements to societal thinking and policy making is required.