Addiction stigmas are still a common problem throughout the recovery community. Sadly, these misconceptions can make a person’s addiction treatment process much harder. Thankfully, more people are fighting these stigmas every day.
Addiction Stigmas are Still a Major Problem
Although advances in medical science have expanded the understanding of addiction and how it begins and sustains, many people still misunderstand this problem. Old-fashioned and dogmatic persecution issues often plague those with an addiction and make it very hard for them to recover. Just a few common stigmas that many people face include the ideas that:
- Addiction is a choice – This misconception often causes many people to believe a user can stop any time that they want
- Addiction is a moral failing – The idea that people with addictions are weaker or immoral is unfortunately prevalent
- Addiction is a crime – Sadly, many people still believe that addiction should be treated as a crime and be punished as such
- Addiction is not my problem – Those without addictions may feel that only poor or “criminal” people suffer from the dangers of addiction
- Addiction is not a disease – Even some who should know better try to claim that addiction is not a disease but a self-control issue
All of these addiction stigmas complicate recovery by filling a person’s head with misconceptions. It can make it harder for people to admit that they even have a problem in the first place, and can serve as a barrier to getting help. Everyone is the good guy in their own story, and continuing to endorse these stigmas causes people who are struggling with addiction to struggle more with their own identity and the fact that their actions are causing harm to others. When these stigmas persist, a person trying to recover from addiction may believe that they are immoral or a bad person because that’s what everybody else tells them. Or their family members may think that it is a “choice” and leave their loved one to their own devices. A feeling of isolation or a lack of support can lead people struggling with addiction to feel as though there is no hope, and can be a major hindrance to recovery. As a result, it is critical to fight these stigmas whenever possible.
Fighting Addiction Stigmas
Those going through high-quality drug rehab shouldn’t have to deal with addiction stigmas. As a result, it is essential to know how to fight these misconceptions in others. By taking a few simple steps, you can help to improve the world by changing the perceptions of people who hold addiction stigmas. Just a few steps that you can take include:
- Discussing the latest finding in addiction therapy, including its disease-like nature
- Pointing out instances in which a person with an addiction recovered and became a better individual
- Staying calm when faced by people spreading misinformation about addiction treatment
- Introducing a person to someone you know who has successfully recovered from addiction
By facing this problem head-on, you can create a more understanding atmosphere in those people in your life who don’t grasp the nature of your addiction. You can even help these individuals better understand how mental health concerns and much more all contribute to addictive behavior. Even if you change just one mind, you can help to make the world a better place.
Work With Atlantic Recovery
As you can see, addiction stigmas are very problematic and can cause difficulties in many people’s lives. So if you need help with these stigmas and want to improve your recovery chances, please call 1-866-824-5193 to contact us at Atlantic Recovery Center. We work in a small and intimate facility that is designed to help make your recovery feel normal and healthy. So please verify your insurance to start.