Originally, stigma was a mark made on the skin by pricking or branding, as punishment for crimes or as a mark of subjection. Luckily, nowadays people do not stigmatize each other with red-hot iron, but they still put negative labels on various things and people.
Even though another person dies every 11 minutes due to the opioid crisis, great social judgment and misconceptions surround people with addiction and rehabilitation centers. That stigma often discourages people from seeking treatment and, moreover, makes them social outcasts even when they are sober, pushing them to prolapse. Understanding the roots of this public stigma is crucial for breaking down these barriers and promoting a more supportive and empathetic approach to rehabilitation.
How are Drug Addicts Viewed in Society Changing with Time?
The outlook on addiction in society has changed dramatically over the past century. In the early 1900s, addicts were seen as morally weak people with a lack of self-control. Addiction wasn’t considered a disease, so there was no formal treatment. Instead, people who were suffering from substance abuse disorder (SAD) were locked in asylums or imprisoned. Often, they were suffering from withdrawal alone in torturous conditions.
In the 1950s, drug abuse was still seen as a poor people’s problem, despite a lot of soldiers returning from WWII with addictions. The only treatment options were psychiatric centers associated with hospitals.
Positive changes in attitude started in the 1960s as drug use became common during anti-war protests, civil rights movements, and music festivals. The understanding of addiction grew, and it was officially classified as a disease. Only in the 1970s was treatment recommended over criminal prosecution.
At this time, doctors also began studying addiction and using medications to ease withdrawal and cravings. The addiction started to be recognized as a physical disease. It was a good start, but the medical community still saw detoxication and recovery from physical dependence as the end of treatment. People get very little support after that.
In the past 30 years, scientists have made significant progress in understanding addiction. They realize it is a complex brain disease that takes time to fully recover from. Addiction is now viewed as a medical condition rather than a personal or moral failing. It is a chronic, relapsing illness, but it is treatable.
Factors Contributing to Substance Abuse Stigma
Media Portrayal of Rehab and Addiction
- Negative stereotypes in movies and TV shows. Characters struggling with addiction are often depicted as unreliable, dangerous, or morally corrupt. Addiction is represented as a character trait of a person rather than focusing on revealing the sense behind it and how it affects the brain.
- Sensationalized stories in the news. News stories often highlight criminal behavior or extreme cases in situations that involve addiction. It creates a negative image of people with SAD and addiction stigma.
- Lack of positive role models in the public eye. There are a small number of positive representations of people who have completed rehab in the modern media space, as well as a showcase of the possibility of successful rehabilitation.
- Negative cultural portrayal of rehab. Some celebrities with SAD are forming negative perspectives on alcohol rehab and drug rehab. For example, Amy Winehouse passed away when she was 27 and lost a battle with her addiction. In her song “Rehab,” Amy shows resistance to treatment and reinforces the idea that rehab is undesirable and ineffective.
Lack of Understanding About Addiction
- Misconceptions about addiction as a choice or moral failing. Many people still tend to believe that addiction is a personal choice or a moral weakness rather than a chronic disease.
- Misconceptions about people undergoing rehab. They often face a lack of empathy and understanding. Others may assume that those in treatment are fundamentally different from themselves or that they are beyond help, which leads to social isolation and shame.
- A lack of widespread education about the biological and psychological underpinnings of addiction. Understanding addiction as a brain illness that requires medical treatment can help shift public perception and help in overcoming stigma.
Harmful Cultural and Societal Norms
- “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” attitude. Popular in the US, the notion of self-reliance and personal responsibility can stigmatize those who seek help for addiction. This can-do attitude suggests that a person should be able to overcome addiction on her or his own, ignoring the complexity of the disorders and the necessity of professional support.
- The stigma of seeking help for mental health issues. It affects perceptions of addiction treatment, which is not only physical but also a mental illness. Seeking help for any psychological problems is often viewed as a sign of weakness.
- The wide usage of derogatory terms to describe people with addiction. Language plays a powerful role in shaping attitudes. The words “junkie,” “stoner,” and “crackhead” dehumanized and marginalized people with SUD, reinforcing negative stereotypes. Shifting to a person-first language can help reduce stigma around drug addiction. We recommend avoiding using the words above as well as “drug addict,” which also has negative connotations. Terms like “person with a substance use disorder” or “individual in recovery” sound much more respectful and empathic.
- Portrayals of treatment as inaccessible or ineffective. There are two common stereotypes: “Only rich people could go to rehab” and “Rehab treatment does not give results at all or has only short-term effects.” Both claims are wrong, as there are many other ways to receive funding for rehab except private insurance, and rehabilitation efficiency has been scientifically proven.
Stereotypes and Myths About Recovery, Stigma and Addiction
All those factors create several sustainable prejudices, which become barriers to the recovery of people with SUD.
| Myth | Fact |
| People with addiction just need to go to rehab once to get better | Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapses are common. Multiple treatments over many years may be needed. |
| People with addiction are weak and lack willpower | Addiction changes brain chemistry and function. It is a disease, not a moral failing. |
| Rehab is a waste of time and money | Treatment is effective in helping people achieve sobriety and improve their health and relationships. |
| If a person with addiction relapses, rehab failed | Relapse is common and doesn’t mean failure or that treatment didn’t work. This means that adjusted treatment may be needed. |
| Once an addict, always an addict | Many people recover and lead productive lives in recovery, especially with ongoing community support. Addiction does not define a person forever. |
| Rehab involves sitting in group therapy all day | Rehab utilizes a range of therapies, including CBT, medication, mindfulness practices, and vocational counseling. Therapies target the roots of addiction. |
Stigma Damages
Reluctance to seek treatment. The fear of being judged or labeled prevents many from taking the first step towards recovery. It is starkly illustrated in statistics showing how stigma influences treatment decisions. According to SAMHSA research in 2021, 94% of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment. Nearly all of those people did not think they needed treatment.
Percentage of Individuals with SUD Who Do Not Seek Treatment Due to Stigma
| Substance | % of people who do not seek treatment due to stigma |
| Alcohol | 50-90% |
| Nicotine (tobacco) | 80-95% |
| Cannabis | 50-90% |
| Cocaine | 70-90% |
| Opioids (heroin, prescription pain relievers) | 60-80% |
| Methamphetamine | 70-90% |
- Shame and guilt are experienced by those in recovery. Society is constantly notified about past mistakes and wrong steps.
- The strain on personal relationships. Friends and family members may distance themselves due to misconceptions about addiction and stigma in recovery. It leads to social withdrawal for people with SUD, further challenging their recovery path.
- Continued substance use as a coping mechanism. The fear of being judged for seeking help keeps many trapped in a cycle of addiction, worsening their condition and diminishing their chances for recovery.
- Discrimination in civil rights. People in recovery sometimes face unfair barriers. While laws prohibit discrimination based on drug or alcohol addiction history, bias unfortunately still exists in some cases. The most common ways individuals in recovery face discrimination are in employment, housing, social services, and healthcare.
Overcoming the Stigma of Addiction
Increasing Awareness and Education
One of the most effective ways to combat stigma. Educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities can raise awareness about the true nature of addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing and help shift public perception.
Positive Narratives and Stories
Promoting positive narratives and stories of individuals who have successfully undergone rehabilitation. Sharing them through various media platforms can highlight that recovery is possible and that people who seek treatment can lead fulfilling, productive lives.
Encouraging Open and Honest Conversations
Support groups, community forums, and social media platforms can provide safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and struggles without fear of judgment. Encouraging dialogue helps normalize the discussion around addiction and recovery, making it easier for people to seek help.
Legislative Measures to Protect Individuals in Recovery.
Enacting laws that prevent discrimination in employment, housing, and health care ensures that people in recovery are treated fairly and given the necessary opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Funding for Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Government and private sector investments can expand access to treatment, improve the quality of care, and support community-based programs. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can help combat stigma as well.
Positive Representation of Rehab and Recovery
Promoting positive representation of rehab and recovery in movies, TV shows, news stories, and other media. It can help reshape societal attitudes. Instead of focusing on sensationalized or negative portrayals, media outlets can highlight the stories of recovery, emphasizing that addiction is treatable and that rehab can lead to fulfilled lives.
Resources Where You Can Seek Support
When someone doesn’t get help because they fear being stigmatized, what can you do? In case you are stuck and don’t know what next step to take, you can seek help from numerous organizations, support groups, and helplines. They are dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and navigate rehabilitation. Here you can get expert counseling, attend support meetings, or find educational materials free of charge.
Organizations and Support Groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A global fellowship offering peer support and meetings for individuals struggling with alcoholism.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA). A global fellowship provides a supportive community for those who are recovering from drug addiction.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Offers a wealth of information and resources for people with SAD and their families.
- SMART Recovery. The program focuses on self-empowerment to help individuals recover from addiction.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Provides research, information, and resources on drug addiction and treatment.
- Sober Recovery. Provides forums for discussing various aspects of addiction and recovery.
Helplines
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)). A confidential, free, 24/7 information service for individuals and family members facing behavioral health disorders or substance use disorders.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK(8255)). Provides crisis support and resources for people in difficult life situations.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support via text.
- Partnership to End Addiction Helpline. Offers personalized help for those struggling with addiction and their loved ones. Text CONNECT to 55753 for support.
- Recovery.org. An online resource providing information about treatment options and connecting people with rehab centers.
Breaking the Stigma at Rehab Services
The stigma around rehabilitation services can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Breaking down common misconceptions about rehab can help remove them and encourage more people to start their recovery. The main reason stigma in recovery is forming is a lack of understanding about the nature of addiction treatment.
Rehab facilities provide comprehensive, evidence-based addiction treatment, not just basic housing, for people attempting sobriety. Additionally, most rehab centers design customized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific addiction patterns and health needs.
How to Start Your Recovery Journey?
Entering rehab can be intimidating in itself. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with rehabilitation services makes this decision even more challenging. But if you or your loved one is suffering from substance use disorder, rehabilitation could be the best decision. Start by finding an appropriate rehab and talking to intake counselors about your concerns.
