The University of Bristol has launched a series of 11 short films designed to deepen public understanding of drug use and the stigma that surrounds it. Developed over several years in partnership with people who have lived and living experience of drug use, the films aim to encourage more informed discussion among health professionals, educators, policymakers and the public.
Co-production and evidence at the core
The project, titled Drugs: It’s Complicated, was created by researchers working collaboratively with community advocates and experts. It examines a wide range of issues around drugs, including motivations for use, the circumstances that lead some people to experience harms, and the ways stigma shapes access to support and services.
The series features interviews with 34 international experts and was explicitly developed to be used as a resource in teaching, training and public engagement. The films are freely available on YouTube and may be shared without charge.
Practical aims and intended audiences
The producers say the films are tailored to multiple audiences, reflecting the complex social and clinical landscape around drug use. Those audiences include:
- members of the public keen to understand drug-related issues;
- teachers, lecturers and trainers who need classroom or workshop materials;
- healthcare professionals and social workers involved in frontline care;
- police and criminal justice practitioners; and
- policy-makers seeking evidence-informed perspectives on stigma and responses.
By offering accessible, research-backed short films, the project seeks to move conversations beyond simplistic narratives and to illuminate the diverse reasons people use drugs and the social factors that influence outcomes.
Voices from the project
"Stigma is a really complicated subject, and so is drug use. People use drugs for different reasons, in different ways, and in different contexts. Conversations about drugs and the people who use them often reduce those experiences to simple stereotypes. We hope these films encourage people to look beyond those stereotypes and see the complexity."
The comment, from the project’s principal investigator, stresses the research-led intent to challenge prevailing assumptions. Community contributors also emphasise the value of a co-produced approach.
"Drugs It’s Complicated is a valuable series of videos designed to explore stigma and discrimination towards people who use drugs. It comes from a dynamic co-production including drug user advocates from around the world. The resulting videos while targeted at a UK audience have wider resonance and application in tackling drug related stigma and discrimination."
The films are explicitly intended to counteract the barriers stigma creates, including fears of judgement, criminalisation and shame that can stop people seeking help.
What the series contains
Key factual elements of the project include the following:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of films | 11 |
| Experts interviewed | 34 international |
| Primary purpose | Education, training, public engagement |
The project team say the films explore distinct topics within the broader theme of drugs and stigma and are suitable for incorporation into diverse educational and professional settings.
Context and potential impact
The series arrives at a time when drug policy and public health responses remain high on the UK policy agenda. By promoting nuanced, non-stigmatising discussions, the films aim to reduce barriers that prevent people from accessing care and support. The co-production model — bringing academic research together with lived expertise — reflects growing interest in participatory approaches to public health communication.
As freely available, shareable resources, the films could be readily adopted by universities, clinics, local authorities and non-governmental organisations seeking to inform practice and policy. The longer-term impact will depend on uptake by practitioners and policymakers and whether the films prompt measurable changes in attitudes or service access.
For those interested, the full series can be watched on YouTube at no cost.
