When someone says addiction is a stigma, they mean that it is something that is seen as shameful. We all know too well what many people (informed by politicians and the media) think of addicts (see this issue’s letter page for one example). Lying, dirty, scum who’d steal the morphine suppositories from their grandma’s arse, given half a chance. But put away all your worries about people seeing you like that in the future. At least if you’re one of the glitterati, come from ‘a good family’ or are a doctor-addict yourself The Royal College of Psychiatrists, as part of an ongoing campaign to combat negative views of people with mental illnesses apparently drug and alcohol dependencies are counted among these! are tackling addiction next. They’ve set up a subgroup specifically to look at ‘Stigma and the Addictions’. The people on it come from "a variety of specialities and professions", including 3 GPs, 3 Psychiatrists and Lady Parkinson who apparently "brings many years of involvement in the field of Addictions". Say no more your Ladyship, a nod’s as good as a wink.

Now what on earth do this lot with the possible exception of Lady P know about stigma? Other than the stigma of not being a proper doctor, like a surgeon, say. No, the only issues around the stigma of addiction this lot will be dealing with will concern rich people with bad habits. If you think they’re going to suggest that you lot shouldn’t be called ‘bagheads’ or ‘smackies’ anymore, or be discriminated against by doctors, or tell doctors not to put posters up in their waiting rooms with messages like NO METHADONE PRESCRIPTIONS, think again. They’ve not even bothered to recruit one of the nodding dogs who usually appears as user representatives on to the group, so there’s definitely nish for you bunch of scallies. By the way, if any of you out there know Lady P. write and give us the SP on her. We’re fascinated and if she has been a bit naughty in her day, discretion is guaranteed. Promise.