IN FLUENCE
Health & Wellness
OVERCOMING THE
STIGMA OF ADDICTION
IS KEY TO TREATMENT
O
ADDICTION IS A CHRONIC BUT TREATABLE MEDICAL CONDITION. ften unintentionally, many people still talk about addiction in ways that are stigmatizingmeaning they use words that can portray someone with a substance use disorder in a shameful way, which may discourage them from seeking treatment. To reduce harmful stigma and negativity around substance use disorders and encourage people to obtain the help they need, it is essential to change the way society views addiction. The first step is to understand why this stigma exists, and how we all can help to remove it.
What Is Stigma? Stigma can be defined as an attribute that is deeply discrediting, reducing the bearer from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one. Stigma about people with substance use disorders might include inaccurate or unfounded beliefs that they are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, or at fault for their condition.
Where Does Stigma Come From? Stigma around addiction may come from old and inaccurate ideas, or fear of things that are different or misunderstood. Research has shown that public attitudes and beliefs about addiction are also affected by how it is presented in the media. For example, TV shows and movies often portray characters with substance use
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disorders negatively. These depictions can increase fear, pity and even anger toward people with substance use disorders. In addition, people with substance use disorders may feel ashamed of their addiction and their difficulty in stopping drugs or alcohol. This may discourage them from reaching out to others or seeking treatment.
The Truth About Addiction Addiction was once considered to be due to a weakness in a person’s character. But decades of scientific research have demonstrated that addiction is not a choice. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is a brain disorder that involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. These brain changes can make it extraordinarily difficult for a person to resist the urge to continue using drugs, even if their drug use is causing problems at home, work, or school. The good news is that treatment can help set the brain on a path to recovery. Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of the body, both have serious harmful effects for those affected, both are influenced by the environments the person lives in and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can get worse and may lead to disabilities and death. Just like with many other health conditions, people with substance use disorders can recover and continue to lead healthy lives with the appropriate support.
