Stigma
stigmaAddiction to alcohol and drugs, particularly drugs like heroin and crack cocaine carries a huge amount of stigma in our society. Often people it’s considered to be peoples own fault if they are addicted to drugs or alcohol. They are considered undeserving of our sympathy and understanding, even though many people use substances to cope with their mental health issues or childhood trauma. Stigma is created through our perceptions and actions and using words like ‘junkie’ or ‘smack head’. It forms stereotypes, judgements, and biases, meaning we stop seeing those addicted to drugs and alcohol as people. The importance of the negative impact of stigma is beginning to be more widely recognised and understood by professionals. Stigma has a devastating effect on a person’s self-esteem, creating feelings of low self-worth, increasing isolation, and making it harder to seek help, support, and treatment, therefore making the condition worse and increasing problems in our society.
