Demystifying the myths associated with addictions

Defeating the Stigma of Addiction

Overcoming the stigma of addiction is key to treatment. Here’s expert advice on how we should view addiction and help anyone struggling with an addiction to seek help to overcome it.

Image courtesy of Brandpoint; Used with permission

Addiction is a chronic but treatable medical condition. Often unintentionally, many people still talk about addiction in ways that are stigmatizing-meaning they use words that can portray someone with a substance use disorder in a shameful way, which may discourage them from seeking treatment. To reduce harmful stigma and negativity around substance use disorders and encourage people to obtain the help they need, it is essential to change the way society views addiction. The first step is to understand why this stigma exists, and how we all can help to remove it.

Photo by Andy Li on Unsplash

What is Stigma?

Stigma can be defined as an attribute that is deeply discrediting, reducing the bearer from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one. Stigma about people with…