Breaking The Stigma - Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Breaking The Stigma

Richard Reeves and Christoph Holland

Forme & Santé

Fréquence : 1 épisode/18j. Total Éps: 14

Breaking the Stigma is an addiction podcast designed, developed, supported and hosted by people with lived experience. We will talk about all things addiction, focussing on drugs and alcohol and the associated stigma that often comes along for the ride. We hope to encourage more people to talk about addiction, challenge their own beliefs and the beliefs of others and ultimately get more people seeking help. Anti stigma has come a long way with other health priorities , however it’s felt stigma towards drugs and alcohol has remained the same. So listen, learn, laugh and connect with us!

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Données mises à jour le 30/09/2026

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Addiction, Crime and Stigma

Épisode 14

vendredi 31 juillet 2026 • Durée 39:36

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we begin to explore the complex relationship between crime, addiction, and stigma, examining how these interconnected issues affect individuals, families, services, and communities. This episode is just the beginning of the conversation, and we aim to produce more episodes covering all aspects of the impact of crime and addiction. Through a mix of professional expertise and lived experience, we hope to provide valuable insight and understanding.

People should not be defined by their addiction, their criminal record, or the most difficult chapter of their lives. By challenging stigma and supporting recovery, we can help individuals rebuild their futures while creating healthier and safer communities for everyone.

Through discussion and Christoph’s reflections on his lived experience, we unpack the factors that often contribute to substance use, offending behaviour, and challenges in accessing treatment and support. The episode challenges common misconceptions and encourages listeners to look beyond labels to understand the wider circumstances that can shape a person's life.

We also examine the damaging impact of stigma, highlighting how negative attitudes towards people affected by addiction or involvement in the criminal justice system can create barriers to treatment, recovery, employment, housing, and rehabilitation.

Finally, we discuss what it takes to break the cycle and the importance of collaborative working across professional sectors. From effective rehabilitation and recovery support to strong partnerships between criminal justice, health, housing, and community services, we explore how coordinated approaches can improve outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

This episode is essential listening for professionals working across public health, criminal justice, substance misuse, housing, social care, and community services, as well as anyone interested in understanding how compassion, evidence, and collaboration can support lasting change.

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Understanding Public Stigma and Addiction

Épisode 13

mardi 30 juin 2026 • Durée 34:43

In this episode, we will be getting into a deeper conversation about stigma, specifically public stigma. We aim to explore what public stigma is and how it manifests. We hope to highlight how it impacts people, as well as their friends, families, and services. We will also offer practical advice and actions, with compassion and non-judgemental care in mind.

What is Public Stigma?

This type of stigma can often lead to self-stigma, as discussed in a previous episode, whereby people experiencing stigma may be left feeling unworthy, which can result in self-exclusion from support. Feelings of shame, guilt, blame, and anxiety can arise, often leading to isolation from their own communities. People may also feel defined by their substance use rather than the many other individual characteristics that make up who they are.

Having open and honest conversations about addiction is very important, but it is equally important that these conversations are meaningful and truly heard. The feeling of being listened to and understood—even in the most challenging times—can bring a sense of self-worth and belonging. It can inspire people to reach out and, in turn, access the specialist support they need.

So, I ask everyone reading this and listening to the podcast: be open-minded, actively listen, reflect on your own language, and encourage others to seek support. Let’s all be part of the conversation. We are not always going to get things right, but let’s show heart and be brave.

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Self Stigma

Épisode 12

vendredi 29 mai 2026 • Durée 35:44

In this episode, we will be going into more depth about stigma and addiction, focusing specifically on self-stigma. We will explore what self-stigma is, where it comes from, hear lived experiences, and place a strong focus on discovery and support.

Self-stigma occurs when a person internalises negative societal, cultural, or familial messages about their identity, emotions, actions, or mental health. It’s that moment when we start believing we are flawed or “not enough” — not just in what we accomplish, but in who we are as individuals.

Self-stigma doesn’t simply appear out of nowhere. It is often tied to past experiences, especially in environments where love, safety, or approval felt conditional. Although self-stigma may not be visible from the outside, it can be incredibly loud internally. It often follows a recognisable cycle of unrealistic expectations, shame, fear of judgment, and withdrawal.

In this episode, we will explore how to name these patterns, understand their roots, and learn to be kinder to yourself. We are not experts in this area — this is as much a journey for us as it is for you. We always encourage seeking professional support if any of these conversations resonate with you. So please join us on this journey!

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Naloxone Hounslow Hero’s - Saving lives one day at a time

Épisode 11

jeudi 30 avril 2026 • Durée 36:06

In this episode, we introduce the brilliant Hounslow Heroes peer‑to‑peer naloxone project. We delve into what naloxone is, why it is so important, the added benefits it brings, and the exceptional work the Hounslow Heroes carry out every day.

We are joined by three Hounslow Hero champions. First, we have the wonderful—and familiar from the previous episode—Carly Monks. Carly is not only a Hounslow Hero champion but also volunteers at the local drug treatment service and facilitates SMART Recovery. Next, we’re joined by Wojciech Mazur, another Hounslow Hero champion, who dedicates his time to giving back to the community and saving lives, one day at a time. Finally, we are also joined by John Mickie, a Hounslow Hero champion and a major advocate for SMART Recovery and the allotment project.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. It is a critical tool in tackling opioid-related harm, and by making it widely available and promoting its use, communities can save lives and build a stronger sense of togetherness.

Although this episode may come across as Hounslow‑specific, all local drug services across the UK are able to supply naloxone kits and will have similar projects supporting its promotion and distribution. I see naloxone not only as a lifesaving medication, but also as a symbol of addressing stigma and being open to talking about addiction in its truest form.

So, if you’re reading this—and hopefully listening too—I implore you to contact your local service, get trained, and carry naloxone.

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What is Addiction

Épisode 10

vendredi 27 mars 2026 • Durée 36:01

In this episode, we delve into the topic of what addiction is, looking deeper into where it begins, exploring the physical and psychological elements of addiction, and how it is defined in the community (health vs. choice).

We are joined by the wonderful Carly Monks — CNWL volunteer, Hounslow Hero, and SMART Recovery facilitator. Carly brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and heart to the conversation.

She has supported various projects in Hounslow and is an incredible advocate for recovery and anti‑stigma work. Carly is also no stranger to the limelight, having shared her powerful journey on camera. The link to this film is below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya9ziwp1JPM

What is addiction?

The NHS states that addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking, or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol, and smoking, but it is possible to be addicted to almost anything, including:

Work

The internet

Solvents

Shopping

Sex

However, as Carly highlights in this episode, there is no single book that can fully explain addiction. There are many theories and scientific approaches, but ultimately, addiction is different for everyone. Throughout the episode, we explore the importance of compassion, recognising the signs of addiction, and understanding the impact it can have physically and mentally. Both Carly and Christoph share insights and experiences that are eye‑opening and heart‑warming.

What is Stigma

Épisode 5

vendredi 27 février 2026 • Durée 33:51

In this episode, we explore what stigma is and the challenges it creates in day‑to‑day life, particularly for people experiencing addiction. The podcast was created to encourage open conversations about addiction and to address the elephant in the room — to break the stigma.

We are joined by the brilliant Dr Bhags Sharma, Consultant Addictions Psychiatrist at the Hounslow ARC (Addiction, Recovery, Community) service. Dr Sharma brings expert knowledge and many years of professional experience in addiction support and has been a strong voice and advocate for tackling stigma throughout our campaign.

What is stigma?

Stigma is the assignment of negative and unfair beliefs based on characteristics such as mental illness, physical appearance, social status, or, in this case, addiction disorders. It creates barriers by causing discrimination, social isolation and shame, often preventing people from seeking help. Stigma can be personal (self‑stigma), societal (public stigma) or structural.

There are many ways stigma can show up, and we want to highlight the impact this can have on people who are currently in need of support.

Stigma can have long‑term health and mental health consequences. It significantly affects confidence and can deter people from accessing or seeking support, as many fear the repercussions. It can reinforce trauma, encourage self‑isolation, and leave individuals feeling defined by their addiction rather than seen as a whole person. The impact also extends to children, families and friends.

So together, let’s bring the grey into colour. Show compassion, be open, and be kind.

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Shame

Épisode 4

vendredi 30 janvier 2026 • Durée 33:32

In this episode, we embrace the new year with our first recording of 2026! You’ll hear our thoughts and ideas about the topic of shame and how closely it is connected to social exclusion and feelings of worthlessness. Shame has come up often in previous episodes and will more than likely surface again in the future. Today, however, we want to shine a light on it, bring it to the forefront of the conversation, and explore ways it can be recognised and addressed.

But what is shame? Shame is a deeply uncomfortable emotion that arises when we feel we have fallen short of who we believe we should be, or who others expect us to be. It often carries a sense of being “flawed,” “unworthy,” or “not good enough.” Unlike guilt—which focuses on a specific behaviour—shame affects how we see ourselves at the core. It can make people want to hide, withdraw, or disconnect from others, and over time it can shape how someone thinks, behaves, and relates to the world. Because of this, shame is not only painful but also powerful, silently influencing decisions, relationships, and self-worth.

For those who may be experiencing shame, we hope to show that you’re not alone and to offer ideas on how you can begin opening the door to exploring those feelings. For professionals, family members, friends, and residents listening, we hope to provide insight into the challenges faced by people living with addiction, and how deeply shame and stigma are intertwined.

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Exit Strategies - Celebrations

vendredi 12 décembre 2025 • Durée 33:41

This is the fourth bitesize episode (Bitesize with a pinch of salt) connected to Episode 3 – Celebrations. In this episode we are joined by the wonderful Stephen Buchanan, Peer Support Worker at the Recovery Day Programme ARC Hounslow. I had the pleasure of watching Stephen’s journey from afar, from homelessness to peer support worker. In this episode we focus on Exit strategies and the importance of having them and recognising when to implement them. Stephen and Christoph share their first-hand experiences of the preparations to attending or not attending an event. They discuss the risks posed, recognising the emotional, social and environmental triggers and how to overcome these with a menu of strategies. They explain how to look out for the signs and the multiple options you have available to you should you need to exit. The beauty of this episode is the tools can be used in many unplanned settings too and not just the planned events. For family, friends, residents and professionals, this will be a chance for you consider, how you can offer support to those in need, and be mindful of challenges people in recovery and active addiction face.

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Lapse, Relapse and Bouncing Back - Celebrations

vendredi 12 décembre 2025 • Durée 33:49

This is the third bite size episode connected to Episode 3 – Celebrations. In this episode we are joined by Harpreet Samra, Harpreet has lived experience and has been a driving force in the Stigma campaign, including the design of these podcasts. Harpreet is a man of many talents and has much experience to share with you all. In this episode we focus on Lapse and relapse and the differences between them. We highlight the challenges that are faced on daily basis and how to overcomes these challenges, including being self-aware and the importance of connecting with others in the community. We talk about the emotions that are attached to a lapse and relapse, and the tools available to you for overcoming them. For friends, family, residents and professionals, this is an opportunity to learn and understand the challenges that are faced with a lapse or relapse. We discuss how you can offer support to your loved ones and help them acknowledge that this is a learning opportunity and stepping stone towards their personal goals. We also discuss how this can be seen as a learning opportunity for everyone!

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Mutual Aid - Celebrations

vendredi 12 décembre 2025 • Durée 34:07

This is our second instalment of our bite sized episodes, connected to episode 3 – Celebrations. In this episode we are joined by Shiv Sharma – Recovery Day Programme Manager and Group Facilitator lead at ARC Hounslow and within this episode, we talk about Mutual Aid. Mutual Aid comes in various shapes and sizes, and as highlighted it’s all about dipping your toe in the water and finding out which group suits your needs. You will hear about the history of mutual aid, the different types available, what to expect, how to manage any anxiety and how simple it can be to find a group near you. Mutual aid has been around for many years; it has continued to develop over those years and remains prominent within the community. The saying that comes to mind is ‘if it aint broke then don’t fix it’. It has been in the community doing incredible things, and the reason it has remained for so long is because it works! It offers the chance to learn from others, connect with people of similar experience and is a great way to start or continue your journey. If after this episode you still want to know more, I have put links below to the websites, this will help you find your local groups. Also, this is not just for people in recovery or active addiction, some of the groups are open for others attending, this gives you the opportunity to listen and learn. There are also family and friend groups available, and we hope to cover more on this in future episodes.

Self-Help Addiction Recovery | UK Smart Recovery

Home - Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain

Welcome to UKNA | UKNA | Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom

- Cocaine Anonymous CAUK Area

Online meetings of Crystal Meth Anonymous UK

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Breaking The Stigma - Détails, épisodes et analyse

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