One of the top reasons why an individual won’t seek help is the addiction stigma. People are reluctant to enter treatment in fear of what their family, friends or coworkers might perceive about them. Stigma also impedes those already in recovery and distances those who advocate for addiction groups. So what are some ways in which we can fight the addiction stigma?
First let’s address what the addiction stigma is. There is a misperception that an addict or someone suffering from substance abuse is automatically a character-flawed, weak-willed person, who is immoral, bad, or a failure. Often times it’s this perceived negative stigma that affects an individual and deters them from seeking help. Because in reality, addiction is a brain disease that needs physical and psychological treatment. Addiction also shows no discrimination. It is seen across all spectrums of race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economics. In fact, some groups that researches are seeing an increase in substance abuse may surprise you.
A recent article discussed a spike in abuse among middle-aged women (46-55) with a medium income of $100,000 or more a year. How might the addiction stigma affect these women? An example of this is a mother with a son, who would have a drink with the anti-anxiety medicine Xanax to unwind after her son went to bed. Eventually, her habit grew out of control. These women often feel as if they suffer in silence. The shame surrounding addiction and women is closely linked to the role women often play as mothers or caretakers. They are so afraid that they will be perceived as bad mothers if they seek the help they need.
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) there are ways to fight the addiction stigma. “Stigma recedes as people focus more on what they have in common and focus less on their differences… As people become more real and human to one another, stereotypes become irrelevant:”
- Get Help. If you are suffering from addiction, one of the biggest ways that you can fight the negative addiction stigma is by entering into treatment.
- Reach Out. Share your story. Social media can be a great platform to share your stories with others. There are also recovery-minded apps that let you connect with others and share your journey of recovery.
- Network. It is true what they say, there is strength in numbers. If you are a smaller organization or even an individual, try to incorporate your efforts with larger organizations that are also doing similar addiction work.
- Be Confident. How many times have you been at a restaurant and had someone send something back because of food allergies? Having a wine glass removed from the table is just as normal and a lot less work for the kitchen. Be confident in your choices to maintain a healthy recovery.
- Be heard. Reach out to your lawmakers and elected officials to make sure that policies reflect a healthy attitude toward addiction recovery.
Don’t reinforce the negative addiction stigma: get help, share your story, show that addiction affects all kinds of people!
