Substance Abusers, Even Recovering Ones, May Face Stigma

Stigma is one of the most difficult aspects of seeking treatment for not only addictions, but any mental illness. As a result, recovery becomes difficult for both the individual and family, as it is harder to seek out the help they need. Stigma is still very much present in society because many people still believe that addictions and other mental health issues are character flaws. Therefore, society sees this as a weakness or believes that it can be easily cured. The stigma associated with addictions have led to so much social discrimination, as well as, legal discrimination. When people think about addicts many think of negative stereotypes such as homeless, low socio-economic status, ethnic minorities, among many more. This is an issue because these negative stereotypes often lead addicts to resort to denying their drug problem and therefore, not seeking the treatment they need. Although addictions are associated with the mentioned negative stereotypes, addicts are in every socioeconomic status, ethnic group and gender. On top of the struggles and emotional turmoil that addicts are facing from their addiction alone, many also become victims of stigma. This may lead to accepting the idea that they are too weak to fight their addiction, and hide their addiction in fear of losing a job, or their child. This is significant, as the stress and anxiety of hiding, may exacerbate other medical, mental health or even social problems for the individual and there family. As a result, seeking treatment becomes even more difficult, as it may exclude extensive medical work ups, therapy and having to rebuild social relationship with spouse, children, parents, siblings and friends, making the recovery a long and emotional journey.

DMP of IL 1:09PM April 15, 2012