Pervasive stigma still driving drug deaths, advocates say

Key points

• Advocates say stigma still stops drug users from getting health care, even though the ACT decriminalised small amounts of illicit drugs in 2023.
• Speaking at a Canberra memorial for overdose victims, Hayley Shaw described nearly dying from an overdose at 14 and her friend Daniel's death at 29, after he struggled to get adequate pain relief during cancer treatment.
• GP Ben Harkness said some users avoid mainstream services for fear of judgement.