The topics of mental health and mental illness have always had a taboo reputation. While mental health conversations have come a long way in the last decade, there is still a long way to go. Unfortunately, long-lasting stigmas are to blame in large part for ill feelings toward those who struggle with mental illness, especially substance use disorder (SUD).
Stigmas of addiction cause individuals who use substances to internalize negative and hurtful assumptions, which can cause them to feel shameful and unworthy of recovery. Addiction stigma leads to a ‘punish, don’t treat’ mentality, creating barriers to seeking help and contributing to increased suffering and overdose deaths. In short, stigma keeps individuals from recognizing the severity of their addiction and getting the support they need to recover.
It is essential to understand that stigmas are not fact. The stigma of addiction has been carried throughout the last several decades, originally developing from a lack of knowledge and understanding. To encourage individuals to get the help they need to recover, individuals must work to identify and challenge stigma as it surfaces throughout their life.
What Is Stigma?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines stigma as “discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation.” It is a set of negative, unfair, and harmful beliefs that a person or group of people has about someone or something.
Stigmas can produce a ripple effect. Like other types of discrimination, the stigmatized group may experience labelling, stereotyping, and other negative thoughts and behaviours directed toward them as a result of stigma. Stigma hurts everyone by perpetuating anger and fear. Additionally, it keeps the focus off of the potential for a solution. Rather, stigma directs blame toward an individual who is already struggling. This is particularly true for those dealing with drug and alcohol problems.
Why Does Stigma Exist?
Stigmas exist for many reasons, such as decades of lack of knowledge, lack of awareness, and general misunderstandings. Further, many stigmas are carried as a result of ignorance and/or arrogance. Substance abuse is often misunderstood, contributing to the stigma surrounding it.
Humans are social creatures. Often, individuals will collect new ideas and beliefs from people around them and make them their own. Adolescents and teens are especially susceptible to mirroring. Over time, many people adopt new beliefs from others without questioning their accuracy. This is especially true in the modern era of technology, where media plays a large part in reinforcing stigma.
For example, mainstream media often portrays individuals with mental illness or addiction inaccurately. They may do so in a way that affirms harmful stereotypes and stigmas, such as portraying an individual with mental illness as violent. This often causes large audiences to not give a second thought to stigma, or how degrading it can be.
More likely than not, there will come a time when an individual is confronted by someone else regarding their stigmas. Therefore, individuals must reflect on personal biases and seek truth at all costs. Although being confronted by others may be uncomfortable, addressing the stigma of addiction is an essential part of healing together as a community.
Myths and Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness & Addiction
There are many different myths and stigmas surrounding mental illness and addiction. Becoming familiar with these myths — and how to dispel them — is essential for reducing stigma. Additionally, understanding the stigma associated with a drug or alcohol problem is crucial, as it affects individuals’ self-worth and well-being.
#1. Substance Use Disorder Is a Choice
One of the most common stigmas surrounding addiction is that it is a choice. Some myths associated with this say that addiction results from moral weakness, weak character, or a lack of willpower. As mentioned previously, these are false assumptions.
Addiction is a chronic and compulsive brain disease, similar to other chronic health conditions like heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. Yes, an individual’s initial decision to use alcohol or drugs is often voluntary. However, substance use at any level — even in moderation — can trigger lasting brain changes that make it easier for an individual to turn to repeated and compulsive drug use.
For parents, friends, and children of those with addiction, this can be a challenging fact to understand. It may seem like a loved one is choosing to use alcohol and other drugs at the expense of their interpersonal relationships. However, addiction is not a choice. The entire structure of an individual’s brain becomes altered as a result of substance use.
Professional treatment is often required to help reverse these lasting changes and to encourage individuals to reconnect with their loved ones. Recovery from addiction is possible, but not alone.
#2. Individuals With Mental Illness Are Dangerous
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for individuals with mental illnesses to be depicted as “crazy,” “dangerous,” or “violent.” Mainstream media often plays a large part in affirming and perpetuating this stigma. However, according to World Psychiatry, “Mental disorders are neither necessary nor sufficient causes of violence.” Individuals with a mental illness are no more likely to be violent or dangerous than individuals without a mental illness.
In fact, “people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population,” as explained by MentalHealth.gov. Mental illness can make individuals vulnerable to victimisation. Additionally, many individuals with mental illness experience only mild to moderate symptoms. As a result, it is typical for individuals to struggle with their mental illness internally and appear high-functioning and productive.
#3. Addiction Only Affects Vulnerable Populations
Another myth regarding addiction is that it only affects certain, vulnerable populations. For example, many believe that addiction only affects individuals in poverty or who are homeless. Although these populations are more susceptible to developing addiction, it is not solely due to poverty or homelessness. Socioeconomic factors exacerbate drug and alcohol dependence, highlighting the role of social determinants of health in addiction recovery.
Additionally, individuals often believe they are not vulnerable to addiction because they do not have an “addictive personality.” However, no one person, community, or personality type is necessarily more predisposed to addiction than another. In other words, everyone could be at risk of developing an addiction.
Still, many factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing an addiction. These factors can be genetic, psychological, social, and environmental. Here are just a few examples:
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Genetic: addiction “running in the family” – Having a family member with SUD can increase an individual’s risk of using substances and developing an addiction.
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Psychological: co-occurring mental illness – Having an untreated mental illness can make an individual more vulnerable to using alcohol and other drugs to self-medicate.
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Social: substance use among peer groups – Peer pressure and experimentation with substances can increase an individual’s risk of developing an addiction.
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Environmental: trauma and an inadequate support system – Unresolved childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can also increase an individual’s risk of addiction.
#4. Prevention Doesn't Work
Some people believe it is impossible to prevent mental illness or addiction from developing. However, research shows that there are many protective factors that prevent these conditions. For youth specifically, the CDC highlights the following protective factors to reduce risky behaviour and substance use:
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Parent or family engagement
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Family support
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Parental disapproval of substance use
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Parental monitoring
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School connectedness
In general, communities must work to promote the social and emotional well-being of children to prevent mental illness and addiction. Likewise, spreading education to community members about mental illness and the consequences of substance use is instrumental in reducing stigma.
Understanding the Lasting Effects of Stigma
As the stigma of addiction has existed for quite some time, there are many well-researched consequences that have proven to severely impact those with addiction.
The main consequence of stigma is that it forms a barrier for individuals to receive the treatment they need to recover. Rather than recognizing addiction as a chronic illness, similar to cancer or diabetes, individuals with addiction are continually blamed for their disease. This contributes to ripple effects throughout the general public as well as within oneself. The stigma surrounding drug alcohol use further exacerbates these issues, affecting treatment effectiveness and public perception of addiction.
Public Stigma
Stigma exists within the normal attitudes of the general public. According to the book titled Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders: The Evidence for Stigma Change, “Public stigma persists in part because structural stigma in the form of laws, regulations and policies appears to endorse prejudice and discrimination against people with behavioural health disorders.” However, research shows that “public stigma leads to social segregation as well as diminished self-efficacy in people with mental and substance use disorders.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) plays a crucial role in addressing this stigma through various initiatives and campaigns aimed at educating the public and promoting understanding and compassion.
Developing public biases and opinions about the competency of others, especially those with mental illness or addiction, has varying effects, including:
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Compromising their financial autonomy
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Restricting opportunities
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Enabling potentially coercive treatment
One of the most notable consequences of public stigma is that it enables social exclusion. Social support plays a vital role in people’s ability to recover from mental illness and addiction. Unfortunately, social exclusion is not limited to only the person with mental illness or addiction, but also their families and friends as well.
Self-Stigma
Perceived stigma can also be internalized. As individuals with mental illness and addiction become aware of public stigmas and discriminatory behaviours, they begin to internalize stigma. The same book mentioned above identifies various effects of self-stigma, including:
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Lowered self-esteem
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Decreased self-efficacy
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Severe feelings of embarrassment and shame
This internalized stigma is particularly challenging for those with drug alcohol depend, as it affects their treatment accessibility and outcomes.
Often, self-stigma — developed from public stigma — contributes to recurrent substance use. Likewise, low self-efficacy reduces an individual’s motivation and willingness to seek help. As a result, many individuals face the barrier of self-stigma to recovery.
Addressing Stigma in Healthcare
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Education and training on substance use disorders, mental health, and stigma reduction are essential for healthcare professionals. By understanding the complexities of substance use disorders, healthcare providers can offer more compassionate and effective care.
Using person-first language and avoiding stigmatizing terms when discussing substance use disorders is vital. This approach helps in treating patients with dignity and respect, recognizing them as individuals rather than defining them by their condition. A non-judgmental and empathetic approach is necessary when treating individuals with substance use disorders, as it fosters a supportive environment that encourages recovery.
Healthcare providers should be aware of their own biases and attitudes towards substance use disorders. Reflecting on these biases can help in providing more equitable care. Comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals with substance use disorders is crucial. This includes being knowledgeable about evidence-based treatments and medications for substance use disorders.
Family and community involvement play a significant role in the recovery process. Healthcare providers should encourage and facilitate this involvement, recognizing the importance of a strong support system. Additionally, being sensitive to the cultural and socioeconomic factors that affect individuals with substance use disorders can enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Ultimately, healthcare providers should be committed to reducing stigma and promoting a supportive environment for individuals with substance use disorders. By doing so, they can help break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.
Substance Misuse and Social Stigma
Substance misuse is often linked to social stigma, which can exacerbate the problem. Social stigma can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety, making it harder for individuals to seek help. This stigma often stems from the misconception that substance misuse is a personal or moral failure rather than a chronic health condition.
The impact of social stigma extends beyond the individual, affecting their family and community as well. It can prevent individuals from seeking help and disclosing their substance misuse, leading to a lack of access to necessary resources and support. This isolation can perpetuate negative attitudes and behaviours towards individuals with substance misuse, further entrenching the stigma.
Social stigma can also have a detrimental effect on mental health and well-being. The constant fear of judgement and discrimination can lead to social isolation and marginalisation, making it even more challenging for individuals to recover. Addressing social stigma is essential to promoting a supportive environment for individuals with substance misuse.
By challenging the notion that substance misuse is a personal or moral failure and recognising it as a chronic health condition, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that stigma creates. Promoting understanding and empathy within communities can help reduce the negative impact of social stigma and support individuals in their journey to recovery.
Challenging the Addiction Stigma
Working to effectively reduce and challenge the stigma of addiction is a lifelong task. However, there are things individuals can do every day to advocate for mental health and addiction treatment. Here are a few ways individuals can challenge the stigma of addiction in their lives:
Become Educated
One of the most important things that people can do to challenge stigma is to become educated. New research about addiction and mental illness is being published every day; there is always more to learn. Gaining deeper awareness of how the brain works and how substances can affect the brain can be instrumental in helping others understand.
Individuals can also discover new knowledge about treatment, such as researching local treatment centres, so they can be compassionate resources when a friend or family member experiences a mental health struggle.
Challenging Stigma With PCP
The Perry Clayman Project offers a number of private rehab clinics and treatment services across the UK. A few of the treatments we offer include:
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Alcohol and drug detox
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Alcohol and drug rehab
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Secondary programme
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Third stage supported housing
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Daycare rehab
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Support for families
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Aftercare
We understand the lasting effects stigma can have on an individual’s willingness to seek treatment and establish recovery. This is why we have big plans to continue to expand our clinics and treatment resources. Our team is dedicated to providing treatment and support to individuals who need it most, especially those that have been affected by self-stigma as a result of public stigma. We encourage individuals who are battling SUD to seek treatment and support.
Our treatment staff will walk alongside you every step of the way. We know what it’s like to be in your shoes because most members of our staff have been through treatment and are in recovery. You can trust that we have the best intentions in mind as we create an individualized treatment plan for you and help you establish your sobriety.
No one deserves to feel ashamed for who they are. We at PCP are passionate about helping clients reunite with their former selves—who they were before addiction took over. Through our caring and expert treatment plans, our clients learn to understand there are many people who have come out of treatment on the other side, securing lasting sobriety. Making the initial decision to enter treatment can be intimidating. Fortunately, we can provide advice and treatment recommendations without individuals needing to make any long-term commitment.
The stigma of addiction and mental illness keeps people from receiving the treatment and support that they need to secure long-lasting recovery. Stigmas can be carried through generations, but all result from a lack of education and misinformation. Stigmas are not fact. It is essential that individuals work to dispel and challenge stigma to better advocate for mental health and addiction treatment. Rehab Today by PCP – Perry Clayman Project private rehab clinics offer treatment for anyone struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Our demographics are a heartbeat. We offer treatment services across the UK, with many recovery programs to choose from. To learn more about our services, call us today at 08000 380 480.
