“Either way, they will use. And so, probably, would you:” A critical discourse analysis of harm reduction portrayal in United States opinion news media

IF 4.4 2区医学 Q1 SUBSTANCE ABUSE

International Journal of Drug Policy Pub Date : 2025-04-11 DOI:10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104801

Hannah A. Carlon, Hanna M. Hebden, Nina C. Christie, Felicia R. Tuchman, David I.K. Moniz-Lewis, Cassandra L. Boness, Katie Witkiewitz, Margo C. Hurlocker

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Opioid overdose deaths are declining in the United States for the first time in over five years. These reductions are partially attributed to increasing availability of harm reduction services, but services remain poorly implemented. The framing of issues in news media shapes public sentiment and uptake of services in policy and practice. The aims of this study were to: (1) content analyze United States opinion news media to describe overall attitudes towards and stigmatizing language about harm reduction; and (2) critically analyze discourses underlying articles with respect to stigma and harm reduction support.

Methods

Thirty-nine opinion articles across 17 United States newspapers on harm reduction published between May 2023 and April 2024 were included. Targeted analyzed content included attitudes toward harm reduction and stigmatizing language.

Results

Most articles had positive attitudes (32/39; 82.1 %), only 5/39 articles (12.8 %) were negative; two were balanced. Over half (22/39; 56.4 %) included stigmatizing language. Critical discourse analysis revealed pro-harm reduction articles were tied together by several threads: harm reduction strategies are evidence-based, do not increase crime, decrease stigma and systemic oppression, and policy change is needed to improve implementation. Among anti-harm reduction articles, discourses included: discriminatory stereotypes to portray opioid use and harm reduction depicted as enabling substance use, equating opioid use with crime, and dismissing systemic injustices influenced by punitive drug policy.

Conclusions

Contemporary United States opinion news media predominantly presents pro-harm reduction discourse, but often use stigmatizing language.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Drug Policy SUBSTANCE ABUSE-

CiteScore

7.80

自引率

11.40%

发文量

307

审稿时长

62 days

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Drug Policy provides a forum for the dissemination of current research, reviews, debate, and critical analysis on drug use and drug policy in a global context. It seeks to publish material on the social, political, legal, and health contexts of psychoactive substance use, both licit and illicit. The journal is particularly concerned to explore the effects of drug policy and practice on drug-using behaviour and its health and social consequences. It is the policy of the journal to represent a wide range of material on drug-related matters from around the world.