Matt Gleeson

All too often the media representation of drug users is two dimensional at best. The stereotypical representation of drug users in the media can be enormously damaging not only to drug users themselves but also to their family members and has implications for both drug treatment and harm reduction efforts. This article examines three classical stereotypes of drug users utilised by the media and discusses the issues incumbent in them.

I have a confession to make. I’m a Twitter junkie. As soon as I say that people know what I mean. The word, ‘junkie’ is an evocative word, that paints a picture of compulsive behaviour that interferes with other facets of the ‘sufferers’ life. This is why journalists use the word junkie. It provokes and paints a picture with a single word.