Stigma Is Bad for Addiction Recovery

Stigma is a negative set of beliefs that society has about something. And is bad for addiction recovery. Such stigmas are ideas like substances abuse is a choice and not a disease, or that the person doesn’t care how the addiction affects their loved ones. Some people even believe that someone with an addiction is not able to contribute to society, or that they are criminals that deserve to be in jail.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance use disorders are treatable medical conditions, and that the stigmas surrounding it continues to cause real harm. In 2020, 40.3 million Americans reported having a substance use disorder, with only about 6.5% receiving treatment.

Stigma doesn’t just affect those with an addiction. It also impacts anyone who uses drugs, making it harder for them to seek help, even at the beginning stages of usage. Even though there are safe and effective tools available for recovery, fear of judgment often holds people back. Even the words healthcare professionals use unintentionally reinforce stigmas, of which creates another barrier to care.

What does stigma look like in regards to substance use disorders?

People who view addiction through a lens of stigma see that drug usage is a moral or personal failure rather than a chronic and progressive medical condition caused by changes in the brain. Stopping drug use is challenging if not impossible without proper support, yet some of society still believe that the behavior is a “choice”.

Stigmas are fueled by a lack of awareness about genetic, social and biological factors of a person. In vulnerable states, an addict cycles deeper because they themselves start believing the stigmas, of which leads to shame, of which leads to a deeper downward slope. This is when these individuals need help, not judgments.

For someone experiencing addiction, stigma feels like rejection, judgment, shame and invisibleness. This results in isolation, and isolation is poison for someone struggling with addiction.

The addicted person may feel:

Internalized shame – He may start to believe the negative stereotypes about addiction, such as thinking he is weak, morally flawed or unworthy of help. This shame can lead to feelings of hopelessness and a lack of motivation to seek treatment.
Social alienation – Friends, family or coworkers may treat her with disdain, avoidance or rejection. Loved ones might express frustration, anger or disappointment in ways that deepen her sense of isolation.
Discrimination in healthcare – People with substance use disorders often face dismissive or prejudiced treatment from healthcare providers. These medical professionals may see their condition as self-inflicted or less deserving of care. This can prevent the addicted person from accessing necessary medical or mental health support.
Fear of judgment – Being afraid of how others view them, keeps many addicted people from being honest about their struggles, or from seeking help. By being afraid of judgment, their addiction continues to worsen.
Legal barriers – Laws leading to criminalization or limited access to resources like housing, employment or recovery programs further complicate the person’s efforts to rebuild their life.

Due to these reasons, an addicted person who is already not-well and exhausted, will struggle even more to get the help of which they need. Healthcare providers, lawmakers and citizens can come together to break this harmful stigma and further support those with this progressive and real disease.

Breaking the stigma of addiction is essential.

Reducing stigma will normalize asking for help and makes resources more accessible. A stigma-free society improves mental health outcomes, self-acceptance and resilience.

This article by Johns Hopkins has a list of words that can be used to replace other more harmful words in order to decrease stigma. Words like, ‘substance use disorder’, instead of ‘drug abuse’, or ‘person with a substance use disorder’, instead of ‘addict’, or ‘abuser’.

Experts can educate society on understanding the science of recovery to dispel myths and promote campaigns and stories that humanize recovery experiences. They can promote campaigns and stories that humanize recovery experiences. Empathy towards people struggling with substance use disorders should be taught in schools, workplaces and communities.

Society can help recovery be more attainable.

If people in society were to challenge their own biases, use compassionate language, and support initiatives that combat stigma, recovery would be more accessible for everyone. The Department of Labor found that workers who are exposed to others in recovery, who can dispel myths and misperceptions, have less fears about seeking help. Addiction affects all walks of life and deserves respect.

By actively challenging stigma, we create a culture that encourages recovery and understanding. Breaking down harmful stereotypes through education and open dialogue can make it easier for individuals to seek and access help without fear of judgment. Organizations can also play an important role by putting in place policies that prioritize recovery-friendly practices.

When society values and normalizes recovery, it not only benefits those struggling with addiction but also strengthens communities. Recovery is a journey that requires support. Combating stigma is a crucial step in ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reclaim their health and well-being.

At Therapeutic Educational Consulting, we guide, support and recommend placement options for treatment centers, nature-based therapy, therapeutic boarding schools and alternative education for adolescents and young adults.

Schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.

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