Thread by @pofstorytelling

.@lipiroy is now on stage at #story19 saying there’s a tradition of doctor storytellers. Day 1 of med school, there are 2 lessons: always listen to your patient & your patient is the best teacher. But as daily life in a hospital takes its toll, you can lose patience for stories.

As she started learning more about addiction, listening to experts and patients, she learned that substances and behaviours aren’t the true causes. The causes are stressful, traumatising experieces, leading to complex emotions like isolation, grief - and selfmedication. #story19

The most significant lesson @Lipiroy learned from caring for patients with addictions is how stigma is a major barrier to care. Drug addiction is the number 1 most stigmatized social problem. A simple & effective way to reduce stigma: changing our language. #story19

Using language such as “drug abuser” or “war on drugs” can lead to people not seeking care as they feel judged. “I worked hard to unlearn some of the damaging things I used to say,” says @lipiroy. #story19