Stigma Related to Addiction & Mental Health Disorders
The stigma relating to addiction and mental health disorders can be severe. For example, seventy-eight percent of Americans believe that individuals addicted to opioids are to blame for the problem, while seventy-two percent believe they lack self-discipline. People in the U.S. also believe that individuals with cocaine addiction can’t make treatment decisions and are mostly to blame for their substance abuse disorder (SUD).
Consequences Of Addiction And Mental Health Disorder Stigma
Unfortunately, the consequences of addiction and mental health disorder stigma are almost always negative. For example, many individuals with SUD may not come forward because of the fear of judgment. They may worry about what the people around them will say if they admit to using substances or having a diagnosable disorder.
Furthermore, any SUD may become worse. Individuals with long-standing addictions can develop more severe physiological dependencies on the drugs they take, making any subsequent detox efforts more challenging.
Barriers to accessing healthcare can also emerge when stigma runs rampant. Practitioners may be unwilling to assist someone using substances if they place the blame solely on them.
How To Reduce The Stigma
Here are the six stages of change, and what they mean:
Fortunately, individuals, healthcare providers, and communities can take action to reduce stigma. Effective strategies increase the likelihood that patients can access the help they need.
Emphasize Empathy
One option is to emphasize empathy. Understanding why individuals develop addictions and co-occurring mental health issues is often the first stage to overcoming the tendency to judge.
Healthcare practitioners and communities can also work to challenge prevailing assumptions about individuals who use substances. Setting up workshops or simply engaging in advertising campaigns can shape attitudes.
Get Family Members Involved
Getting family members involved is another strategy to reduce addiction, SUD, and mental health stigma. Turning fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, grandparents, and cousins into health advocates spreads a message of compassion to the community. Relatives offering non-judgmental support provide a healthy atmosphere for recovery.
Make Workplaces More Supportive
Workplaces can also play a role in reducing the stigma of addiction and mental health. Companies that understand how these conditions develop are often far less likely to condemn their colleagues and employees.
Employee training often plays a critical role in this process. Companies can raise awareness of mental health issues and the ease of becoming addicted to drugs.
Train Healthcare Providers
Lastly, training healthcare providers is a critical pillar. Helping doctors, nurses, and specialists reduce bias and accept patients as they are can lead to more productive outcomes.
The role of trauma-informed care is essential in this process. Clinicians must understand why patients develop addictions and mental health issues in the first place. Learning to spot the origins of SUD can prevent it from recurring.
Take The First Step: Reach Out To Peaks Recovery Centers
Do you require help with addiction and mental health issues? If so, Peaks Recovery Centers can help. Our team of dedicated specialists is ready to treat co-occurring disorders, putting you on the path to recovery.
Contact us today at 855-608-1222 to begin your journey toward long-term recovery.
Medical Disclaimer: Peaks Recovery Centers uses fact-based content about recovery treatment, addiction medicine, and behavioral health conditions to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders. This information does not replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, care, or treatment. This information should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider and/or physician.