It may be easy to forget that a drug user is someone's son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister.
Terms such as 'scumbag', 'junkie' or 'dope-head' in relation to drug users,
serve to alienate drug users and members of their families even more. At the GBRD,
we feel that these terms are likely to offend, causing distress and potentially stripping drug users
and their families of their dignity.
Therefore, when you are reporting on the drug issue, we would ask you to consider the
terminology that is used, particularly when describing drug users.
Thank you.
Media Awards(more info)
To reward sensitive and well-informed reporting around the drugs issue,
the GBRD will be launching a new awards competition for members of the media in 2005.
For further information about this new initiative, please e-mail us at info@gbrd.ie.
