Stigma Associated With Substance Abuse

Stigma stems from prejudice or misconceptions about a person, condition or lifestyle. When it comes to substance abuse, stigma can result in discrimination and undue emotional trauma for those living with the disorder. Learning to identify the language, beliefs and motivations involved in substance abuse stigma allows you to change your own views and educate others.

Causes

• Understanding the cause of substance abuse and addiction is important for reducing stigma. According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, substance abuse and mental illness are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Anti-drug campaigns and slogans like "Just Say No" give the idea that preventing substance abuse and addiction are as easy as making a simple choice, which is not true for those already living with these conditions.

Identification

• Substance abuse is characterized by excessive use of mind-altering drugs, such as alcohol, cocaine or heroin. The language used to describe people with substance abuse disorders can be helpful in identifying stigma and misconceptions. Words like "junkie" or "dope fiend" are obvious signs of stigma that negate the legitimacy of these disorders and attempt to define the person by his condition alone. The belief that substance abuse is a moral failing or personal weakness is also incorrect and potentially harmful. Blaming substance abuse patients for their condition is a major and persistent form of stigma that can result in unnecessary feelings of shame, guilt and self hatred among patients.

Misconceptions

• The idea that substance abuse is a choice lies at the heart of much of the stigma surrounding the disorder. While using drugs is a choice initially, chronic abuse and addiction mark the passage from choice to medical disorder. Implying that sufferers "choose" drugs or alcohol over their families, friends or careers is misleading and hurtful to the individual's self esteem. The common perception of substance abuse sufferers as homeless, lazy or poor is untrue, because these disorders affect people of all backgrounds. This type of stigma becomes even more dangerous when issues like race, gender or culture are mistakenly linked to substance abuse.

Prevention/Solution

• Changing the way you talk about substance abuse is the first step toward reducing stigma and fear. The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment suggests replacing words like "addict" and "druggie" with more compassionate and medically correct terms like "substance misuse patient" or "person in active addiction." Abstaining from the use of stigmatizing language sets a good example for those who lack an understanding about the medical nature of the disorder. Reminding others that substance abuse and addiction are legitimate medical conditions can help promote the spread of truth while helping overcome stigma.