Stigma and Its Links to Alcohol Use

People experiencing problematic alcohol use are highly stigmatised, with many regarding it as a personal moral failing that is undeserving of sympathy; and others holding negative stereotypical views about people who are experiencing substance dependency. Alcohol-related stigma is likely to be more prevalent and compounded amongst already marginalised and discriminated-against groups. However, stigma may also occur in the absence of problematic consumption for some groups, such as pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those experiencing poverty and homelessness.