Breaking the stigma of addiction

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Thou Shalt Not Judge

 

Cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and epilepsy are all examples of diseases that a person can acquire. When a person tells their friends and family that her or she is diagnosed with kidney disease, they are given support and encouragement to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A friend will tell them, “If there is anything I can do to help, just ask.” The response is rarely one of judgment, gossip, ridicule, disrespect, or dissociation from a person with a “medical” disorder. Unfortunately, a person that is suffering from the disease of addiction may not receive the same supportive feedback.

There is a great deal of stigma attached to the word “addiction”. According to Merriam-Webster, a stigma is a mark of shame or discredit. A person with an addiction must often face being judged, labeled, and criticized for having that disease. This phenomenon can be attributed to the reality that most people do not consider addiction to be a disease, as they do diabetes or cancer. Many believe addiction to be a moral matter. The fact is addiction is a disease. It affects both the mind and body.

 

Is Addiction a Real Disease?

There is a standard set of criteria for any illness to be deemed a disease. The first criterion is that a disease is progressive, or gets worst without treatment. The second criterion is that a disease is chronic, which means that although it can be treated, it is long-term and life-long. Fatality is the next criterion. If the disease is not treated, then it can lead to death. A disease is a primary illness. In other words, the disease is its’ own illness, not a symptom of another disease. Another criterion is that without treatment, there is a loss of control. Symptoms cannot be controlled unless there is treatment or a lifestyle change. As a final point, it can be treated or managed. If addressed appropriately the disease can be managed to avoid further progression of symptoms, loss of control, and fatality. It is key to note that the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, and American Psychiatric Association all view addiction as a disease. Below is a table that compares how addiction and diabetes both fit the criteria of being diseases.

 

What Factors Can Lead to Addiction?

I have heard people say that someone with an addiction chose that lifestyle, so it’s their burden to bear. A person must take accountability for his or her own actions, however before judging someone try to understand. I haven't met anyone that said they wanted to be afflicted with addiction. So what are the dynamics that lead someone to addiction?

Trauma is an important factor that must be considered. National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that as many as two-thirds of people in drug treatment programs reported being abused as children (Swan, 1998). Imagine a young girl that from childhood through adolescence was abused physically, emotionally, and sexually. Now at 15 years old, she has trauma, poor self-esteem, poor self-identity, and lacks healthy relationships within her family system and begins using drugs. Should this girl be judged? Or should there be an understanding of the motives behind her behavior. This is not said to condone the behavior, but rather to gain insight into how someone can become involved with drugs or alcohol. Can you help someone that you are judging?

There are other factors to note, as well. In many cases, people with addictions have parents, caretakers or other family members that also have addictions. There are different beliefs as to whether it is a genetic disease or a learned behavior. Either way, there is a definite connection, which is one reason why addiction is considered a family disease. Inability to cope with stress or negative feelings also attribute to some people falling into the grasp of addiction. When someone has a headache they may take an aspirin. Many people use drugs to avoid feeling emotional pain. Finally, most people begin using drugs during adolescence. This is a time when many feel that they are invincible and consequential thinking is not exactly at its best. This makes the youth most susceptible to risky behavior, such as drug use. Before they realize, they are caught up in a whirlwind called addiction, which will follow them well into adulthood.

 

How Does a Stigma Affect Someone with Addiction?

For a person dealing with addiction, admitting that their use is actually a problem is a vital step. Overcoming stigmas are difficult and is often a barrier keeping people caught in the addiction trap. Stigma keeps people from seeking help. Often people are afraid of being judged and criticized. It is important that a person has support, which a friend or family member can not provide if they are labeling, disrespecting, or gossiping about the person struggling with addiction. Most people fighting addictions already have a diminished self esteem and the stigmas that our society has often reiterates self defeating beliefs.

 

Final Words

Anyone can be susceptible to addiction. Not one factor alone determines who will be affected by addiction. It affects people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Knowledge is instrumental if the stigma of addiction is to be arrested. First, one must recognize that addiction is a disease. Second is to understand the factors that can lead to addiction. And above all, knowing that no person is without flaws, one must be open-minded and willing to accept others, without trying to label or judge.


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

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