Substance abuse and the stigma surrounding it affects our friends, families, and communities at an alarming rate. Even if you haven’t personally experienced substance abuse, someone you care about likely has. The reality is stark: according to provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States during 2023. While this represents a 3% decrease from 2022 – the first annual decrease since 2018 – the numbers remain high.
Despite the prevalence of substance use disorders, many individuals face significant barriers to seeking help, with stigma being one of the most pervasive. This stigma can prevent people from accessing treatment, hinder their recovery process, and perpetuate harmful misconceptions about addiction.
This article covers the nature of addiction stigma, its impact on individuals and communities, and strategies to combat it. Keep reading to learn about common myths surrounding addiction, how to use non-stigmatizing language, and what communities can do to support those struggling with substance use disorders.
What is Addiction Stigma?
Addiction stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward people with substance use disorders. It’s a set of harmful stereotypes that can create barriers to treatment and worsen these conditions. The word “stigma” originally meant a mark of disgrace, and in the context of addiction, it manifests as labeling, stereotyping, and discrimination against those struggling with substance use.
Why Does Addiction Stigma Occur?
Many people don’t understand that substance use disorder is the result of changes in the brain that make drug use compulsive. Some key reasons for the persistence of addiction stigma include:
- Misconceptions about addiction being a choice or moral failure
- Fear and anger towards those with substance use disorders
- Lack of understanding about the nature of addiction as a chronic, treatable medical condition
- Criminalization of drug use, which can reinforce negative stereotypes
How Does Addiction Stigma Affect People with Substance Abuse Disorder?
Stigma isn’t just about negative attitudes; it has real, tangible effects on the lives of people struggling with substance use disorders. These impacts can create significant barriers to recovery and overall well-being. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing empathy and driving change in how we approach addiction as a society. Here are some of the significant ways stigma affects individuals:
- Reluctance to seek treatment: People may avoid seeking help due to fear of judgment or discrimination.
- Reduced access to healthcare: Stigma can lead to poorer quality of care or reluctance to disclose substance use to healthcare providers.
- Social isolation: Individuals may withdraw from social support systems due to shame or fear of rejection.
- Self-stigma: People may internalize negative attitudes, decreasing self-esteem, mental health, and hope for recovery.
- Barriers to recovery: Stigma can make it harder to find employment, housing, or maintain relationships, complicating the recovery process.
What are the Common Myths About Addiction?
Misinformation and misconceptions about addiction contribute significantly to stigma. By addressing these myths head-on, we can foster a more accurate understanding of substance use disorders and promote compassion. Let’s examine some of the most prevalent myths and the truths that counter them:
- Addiction is a choice: In reality, it’s a complex brain disorder influenced by various factors.
- People with addiction are weak: Overcoming addiction requires immense strength and resilience.
- You can’t recover from addiction: Many people do recover with proper treatment and support.
- Treatment doesn’t work: Evidence-based therapies and programs can be highly effective in managing substance use disorders.
How Can We Address Addiction Stigma Against People with Substance Use Disorders?
- Education: Increase public understanding of addiction as a treatable medical condition.
- Language matters: Use person-first, non-stigmatizing language when discussing substance use disorders.
- Promote access to treatment: Support policies that increase access to evidence-based treatments.
- Share recovery stories: Highlight success stories to inspire hope and challenge stereotypes.
- Address systemic discrimination: Recognize and combat the intersection of addiction stigma with other forms of discrimination.
What Language Should We Use When Discussing Addiction?
The way we talk about substance use disorders can significantly impact how people with these conditions are perceived and treated. By choosing our words carefully, we can create an environment that encourages people to seek help and supports their recovery journey.
Here are some examples of how we can shift our language to be more respectful and accurate:
| Instead Of | Use |
|---|---|
| Addict, junkie, user | Person with a substance use disorder |
| Drug abuse | Substance use disorder |
| Clean/dirty | In recovery/active use |
| Drug habit | Addiction |
Working to End Addiction Stigma
At Zia Recovery Center, we’re committed to challenging the stigma and stereotypes long associated with substance use disorders. We believe in the power of education, compassion, and evidence-based treatment to help individuals and communities overcome the wide-reaching impacts of addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At our Las Cruces recovery center, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment to help you or your loved one get on the road to recovery. Reach out to Zia Recovery Center today to learn how we can support you on your recovery journey.