If you're currently struggling with addiction, the shame and misconceptions that contribute to the stigma of addiction may be harming your chances of seeking help. The stigma associated with drug and alcohol abuse causes people to be excluded or ignored. However, since addiction is a health problem, it is important to provide support and help to people instead of judging them.
Let’s take a look at how to challenge the stigma and how to overcome it in order to get help with your addiction.
What is Stigma in Addiction?
Stigma is a negative attitude imposed by individuals and society against people who are on the outside of what is perceived to be “normal”. Discrimination and lack of care for those suffering from addiction have been quite common and are still prevalent today.
Education and awareness on substance abuse have made addiction less secret, but it is still frequently questioned as a real disease - despite the evidence proving that it is.
How Does Stigma Affect Recovery?
Though society has come a long way in the past few decades, weakness and disorder are often still associated with addiction. Because stigma can often be ingrained in society, those suffering from addiction can feel isolated and ashamed. Seeking treatment can feel like a losing battle when faced with the existing challenges associated with addiction.
But there is help available for those who need to take a break from the noise and recenter themselves away from external pressures. Knowing that there are centers like Ranch Creek Recovery, overcoming addiction can feel a little more within reach. All it requires is for you to take a few steps away from regular life for a little while until you become able to put your bad habits under control.
How Can You Change Your Approach?
If you hear people around you making negative or incorrect remarks about people with addiction problems, speak up. This will help you feel more in control and less like you're at the mercy of everyday colloquialisms defining who you are.
It is important to remember that addiction is a health condition. In other words, you are entitled to the same level of care as anyone with any other medical condition. Think about this the next time someone belittles your recovery program.
You shouldn't let misinformed language about addiction affect your self-esteem. Various types of addiction can affect people from different backgrounds and can take many forms. This means you are entitled to understanding and acceptance from others, regardless of what they may think.
It’s unfortunate, but those who suffer from addiction are usually defined using one disparaging definition after another. Don't let other people's negative labels keep you from getting the support you need.
Addictions must be treated with empathy and understanding. If it were so easy to beat, then the disease wouldn't be as prevalent as it is. Besides, a lot of factors are in play when it comes to forming an addiction, and controlling all of them is not a simple task. If you or anyone you love is suffering, reach out and know that there are people who care and want to help.