Breaking the Substance Abuse Stigma

When we were children, doing some mischief and mayhem was much easier than admitting to it. But we all grew up and mischiefs became mistakes and here we still are. Hesitating to admit it and move on. In this case, though, the substance abuse stigma is so thick you could cut it with a credit card – and that's exactly why many people keep it under wraps.

Sounds legit but what if we can prove it isn't so? In fact, it only makes things worse.

It's not Count Dracula! We don't need ominous church organs playing in the background and hiding behind shadows to just talk about it. This unnecessarily dramatic shroud of secrecy surrounding substance abuse is a complex issue with deep roots. Meaning, that society is so drenched in this prejudice, that it'll take years of exposure and awareness to rectify it. So, all things considered, it makes sense that people would prefer to just lie about it. It makes sense that the people already in a fight with an immovable object (addiction) are not going to be all that enthused about jumping into another.

Here are some of the other reasons why people often choose to keep their struggles hidden:

Shameful Secrecy

Substance abuse stigma is a tangled mesh of negative attitudes and beliefs. It can be mighty. Because people struggling with addiction fear being labelled as weak-willed, irresponsible, or failures. This fear of judgement can prevent them from seeking the help they desperately need. They also get heavily discriminated against through derogatory terms. The isolation and shame can, in fact, worsen substance misuse, making seeking help feel like walking a tightrope over a pit of hungry crocodiles.

Protecting Loved Ones

Sometimes, people keep their addiction a secret to protect their loved ones from worry, disappointment, or even from meeting the same end as them: social exclusion. They may believe their struggles will burden their families or damage relationships so much that not even their need for support and understanding breaks it.

Denial and Isolation

Denial is a fairly common defence mechanism, leading people to minimise the severity of their problem or even convince themselves it doesn't exist. Constantly doing this can isolate them and make it difficult to reach out when they need help.

Fear of Losing Control

For some, admitting to addiction is a matter of pride and for some, it's a terrifying feeling not to be yourself. The brain actually changes after addiction and being scared about not having control of your own body and mind is a genuine fear. It may range from facing legal consequences to even losing custody of children. This fear can keep them clinging to the illusion of control, even as their addiction spirals.

Misinformation and Misunderstanding

By not talking about it openly there is a high chance of fostering misunderstandings. People struggling in silence end up relying on shady sources, delaying or preventing them from getting the right kind of help. Many people hold inaccurate beliefs about addiction and view it as a character flaw. Dr. George Koob, director of NIH’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says, “Nothing could be further from the truth.” The fact is that it is a complex disease and avoiding talking about it can lead to misinformation. They are making it harder to seek help and perpetuate the cycle of secrecy.

These are only some of the reasons why substance abuse often remains hidden. Most forget that people from all walks of life can struggle with addiction, and the silence surrounding it only perpetuates the stigma and stops any recovery efforts.

Are you or your loved one struggling to balance both the stigma and the addiction itself? Take the first step towards a healthier life by fostering open conversations and challenging these easily proven misconceptions.

Okay, now that you've decided to be open about it, where do you start?

Deciding who to tell about your substance abuse struggles can end up being paralyzing. So here are some people to consider confiding in, and why their support can be invaluable to you:

Close Friends or Family:

This, however scary, is a given. Having a trusted confidante, someone who offers a listening ear and unwavering support can be a powerful buffer against the isolation and shame that addiction brings. And who else knows your need for support and understanding better than the family you were born into and the family you went on to choose?

Therapist or Counsellor:

Sometimes all anyone needs is a safe space. For people with addiction, it's important to explore the root causes and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Finding your triggers will also help you a long way in getting sober. Getting a therapist can give you the benefit of having a trained professional to guide you through the recovery process with both compassion and expertise.

Addiction Specialist:

They offer a combination of therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Consulting an addiction specialist can give you a structured treatment plan that takes your personal preferences into account.

You need to remember that these are some of the more practical connections you can make because they'll help you further the recovery process. But the decision of who to tell is still yours. Building a support network of people who understand and believe in you is something that can be irreplaceable when the worst of the recovery hits you. Having people who understand the reality and genuinely care about you enough to give you support through it all is very important.

It starts with us! Discriminating against a complex disease is unhelpful to anyone involved. It can impact anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. So, here's how we can all play a role in chipping away at the stigma:

- Educate Yourself:

There's a high chance that half of the world's problems can be solved just by learning the truth of the matter. Knowledge is power! Dispelling myths and understanding addiction as a complex disease can reduce internalized prejudice and judgement.

- Listen Without Judgment:

When someone opens up, try not to immediately jump into a lecture or start criticizing them. Offer your ear, your support, and a non-judgmental space for them to share. This especially helps in making them feel welcomed enough to even step towards recovery, knowing that you're on their side to support them through it.

- Challenge the Stigma:

Call out negative stereotypes when you hear them. Make it more about understanding the cause and encourage help-seeking behaviour.

Breaking free from substance abuse is quite a slow process. To be frank, there will be setbacks, but remember, recovery is absolutely possible. A 2020 CDC report said that three out of four people recovered from addiction. But recovery itself can look different from person to person. It could be complete abstinence or avoiding substances that you struggle to not abuse. Regardless, it's important to support yourself through the ups and downs.

Because whatever society might say, substance abuse doesn't define you. You are worthy of help, support, and a life free from addiction. So, ditch all this hiding in the shadow business and embrace the courage to open up knowing that you're not alone.

With the right support system and a whole lot of self-compassion, you can deny the effects of the substance abuse stigma that's rampant in society and rewrite your story!