STIGMA, BODY SYMBOLS AND DISCRIMINATION OF CONSUMER AND THEIR FAMILIES

Objective and methodology. To present the results of two surveys contrasting the perceptions about stigma, the use of body symbols (tattoos), discriminatory attitudes and their effect on the quality of life and perceived opportunities of drug users (n = 100) and their families (n = 69) in the city of Tijuana, Mexico. Results. It was found that both discrimination and segregation extend from the users to their relatives. Tattoos are used as tribal symbols among users, while their use is disapproved by their relatives who report discrimination and segregation not only towards their family member but also to the rest of the family members. Conclusions. The relatives of users perceive more stigma than the users. More female than male users reported more self-segregation behaviors and social discrimination perceptions.