Despite significant strides in drug policy in recent decades, and changing attitudes about some substances, stigmatization of people who use drugs remains a pervasive challenge—one that puts our health, wellbeing and lives at serious risk. Why is the temptation to judge and shame certain people who use drugs such a tough habit to break?

I wrote an article for Filter magazine about the psychology of stigma, why we all often find it irresistible to judge and shame others, and why this is particular pervasive when it comes to drug use. I interviewed knowledgable and insightful folks. I hope the piece offers some good and helpful food for thought.