Stigma is the negative powerful perceptions that are usually associated with substance addiction and abuse.
When stigma sets in, it has the potential to adversely affect the confidence level of an individual. In addition, stigma has the capacity to damage relationship with family, friends and acquaintances.
Someone who is addicted would be discouraged from following through with the addiction process because of the stigma attached to it. They understand that when they opt for treatment, people would discover that they are addicted and keep their distance.
Due to this treatment from people, addicted individuals would rather keep their addiction problem to themselves so that no one knows. Doing this makes their addiction problem hard to combat because there is no one aware who could talk them out of it.
One of the major reasons why stigma is prevalent in our society among the addicted individuals, is because people do not know what it truly means. There is a big need for people to understand what addiction really means, and how it basically works.
People need to be aware that addiction is a very powerful brain disease that has the capacity to affect anyone. So, no matter your age, status, color and the likes, you are prone to being addicted if the necessary measures are not implemented.
When people understand how addiction works, it becomes easy for them to support their loved ones who are combatting the disease. Knowing what addiction involves helps you to empathize with those who are addicted.
During addiction treatment, there are group sessions that are mandatory for the loved ones and probably acquaintances of the individual to attend. The primary reason for this is to further expose them to what their loved one is going through.
Often times, it is easier to empathize with someone when you are present with them, and you see the efforts they are putting in place to get better.
If the stigma surrounding addiction can be reduced, there will be fewer addiction cases in our world.