Stigma and Addiction: Why Does it Matter?

An astounding 46.3 million Americans fought addictions in 2021 alone. That is nearly 17 percent of the entire population of the United States. Surprisingly, however, despite the massive amounts of people battling addictions, countless people feel marginalized and ashamed of their struggle, making the path to recovery increasingly difficult to bear. How is it that despite the multitudes suffering together, people feel so alone?

Cultural and systematic stigmas surrounding addiction and substance use disorders may have something to do with it. A stigma is a set of negative beliefs, thoughts or attitudes that are perpetuated via commonly held perceptions about a certain people group or circumstance. Stigmas are widely recognized to impact people of minority races, as well as those struggling with mental health, and drug and alcohol addiction. They can be communicated systematically through policies, or culturally through stereotypes; both generally diminishing equal opportunity or undermining the overall dignity of the human person.

Examples of Stigmatizing Attitudes

Stigmas around addictions can take many different shapes, ranging from explicit and outright to covert and unsuspecting. While stigmas are sometimes based on a particular statistic or observation in society that may hold some truth in certain instances or populations, they cannot be universally applied or assumed of all people struggling to overcome substance use disorders.

The following phenomena are common examples of stigmas surrounding addiction in society today:

• Marginalizing those struggling with addictions. People struggling to overcome substance use disorders are often pushed to the outskirts of society, both physically and socially. Whether they are physically outcast from certain stores or neighborhoods, or simply ostracized from different social circles, addicted people frequently feel cast out from the normal rhythms of accepted society.
• Blaming addictions on laziness or personal choice. It is a common misunderstanding that those who struggle with addictions have chosen to live that lifestyle, so they are undeserving of support or empathy. While it is true that some addictions may be characterized by lifestyle decisions and free choice, addictions are highly complex and cannot be simplified to a mere lack of desire to change. People are influenced by numerous factors that are outside of their control such as their genetic predisposition, access to medical and educational resources, socioeconomic status and trauma.
• Assigning stereotypes to people struggling with addictions. There are many stereotypes associated with people who wrestle with substance use. While these stereotypes may negatively impact those who find themselves in alignment with the negative implication, they may be even more damaging to those who don’t quite “fit the bill.” For example, it is a common misunderstanding that drug and alcohol addiction is rampant primarily in poor, high-crime, male populations. This may lead a female of high economic status who lives in the best neighborhood in town to feel utterly alone and out of place in her fight to overcome severe alcoholism.
• Offering lower quality care and restricting opportunities for those with addictions. Stereotypes and misconstrued assumptions about those with addictions can contribute to persuasive practices in the medical industry that prohibit premium care from those battling substance abuse. This may also be seen in regard to employment, social justice, and the housing industry.

People battling addiction have a difficult road ahead; they should not be excluded from opportunities that non-addicted persons have at their disposal, simply as a result of their struggle.

4 Steps to Overcome Stigmas Around Addiction

Stigmas do not merely impact self-esteem and feelings of belonging; they may also exacerbate problems surrounding mental health and wellbeing, undermining the longevity and success of one’s sobriety. The good news is, that everyone has the power to contribute value and effect change to uproot stigmas surrounding addiction.

1. Be particular in your language choices surrounding addiction

Our words shape our experience of everything around us, and they are oftentimes the catalyst and precursors to our actions. When discussing addiction, be mindful of your words, tone of voice, and the message that you convey about those who struggle with addiction, intentionally or subliminally.

2. Cultivate empathy and support

Instead of the extreme attitudes of hostility or sympathy, focus on cultivating a spirit of empowerment, equality, empathy and support when interacting with those suffering from substance use disorders. Acknowledge that they may not be entirely culpable for their situation, and commit to offering kindness instead of judgment.

3. Contribute to addiction awareness and education in the community

Knowledge is power. Try attending an event benefiting local veterans battling addiction, or utilize your social media platform to promote a foundation that provides rehabilitation resources to recovering alcoholics. Change starts with you.

4. Fight for policy change and advocate for those suffering from addictions

Unfortunately, there are numerous inequalities and deficiencies deeply rooted in the healthcare, education and criminal justice systems. Become educated on these issues and exercise your rights as an active American citizen to advocate for policy change.

Find Support for Your Recovery Journey

If you or a loved one are battling the negative effects of stigmas in your recovery from substance use disorder, Augusta Bluff is here for you. Explore unique paths to healing, including equine-assisted therapy and recreational therapy, to enrich your recovery experience. Contact us online today, or call (844) 242-0806 to turn a new page in your story.