Ferry’s Corner: Connecting with people who use drugs

When interacting with people who use drugs, you may get the impression they are not completely honest with you. How do you deal with that?

It may help you to realise that this behaviour is generally a survival mechanism. For many, it has been the only way to survive on the streets. At the same time, just like anybody else, people who use drugs need some love and care. They need to be seen and heard as the human beings they are. After all, that’s a universal human need.

Unfortunately, most people who live or have lived on the streets have mainly experienced negative attention. They feel the stigma from a mile away. And they may not be used to someone taking time for them, listening with sincere attention, and seeing them for who they are. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to connect. Remember, you are not working with complex people, but with people who tend to have complex issues.

So, if you feel like you’re being deceived, manipulated, or not taken seriously, take a deep breath. Don’t let yourself get cross. Accept it. Use humour. And if necessary, change the subject.

What I often find helpful is to go somewhere or do something together. Because, and may be you have noticed this already, conversations that take place while seated are often about the past. On the contrary, conversations that are held ‘in motion’ often focus on the future. So, start moving!