Clients with co-occurring conditions have often been subjected to stigmatisation and discrimination in relation to their AOD use (particularly those who use illicit drugs) and their mental health condition [144]. People with mental disorders have traditionally been viewed by society as violent, brain damaged, intellectually disabled, unimportant, untrustworthy, or worthless. As a result, clients with co-occurring conditions will often feel too ashamed or embarrassed to tell people about them, even health professionals [107].
A non-judgemental approach can help reduce client’s feelings of shame [130]. AOD and other health professionals should treat people with co-occurring conditions with the same respectful care that would be extended to someone with any other health condition. Just as people with an AOD use disorder should not be thought of or referred to as an ‘addict’, a person with schizophrenia should not be referred to or thought of as ‘schizophrenic’. The mental health condition does not define the person; rather, it is one aspect of the person.