Stigma Is Devastating

Stigma - How We Can Make A Difference

Today's Learning Moment 01-16-23 – Stigma Is Devastating

Written by and for people with Lived Experience - Port Alberni Community Action Team - Families Helping Families

Stigma kills. Sounds way over the top doesn’t it? You are probably thinking, “wow, that’s pretty melodramatic!”. However, stick with me, and I promise to explain why I’m using such a vivid phrase.

Stigma affects people with substance disorders or mental health illnesses by making it difficult for them to seek help. Many people who struggle with “addiction” or mental health conditions are ashamed of their behaviour and fear judgment from others, they are reluctant to seek treatment or support. This leads to a vicious cycle, where they continue to use substances and experience negative consequences, but they feel too stigmatized to seek help. Sometimes stigma experienced is the last straw or final knockout blow that completely breaks a person.

Not mincing words here. This is the reality of stigma.

However, being ever the optimist, I believe in the inherent good in people. I think most people would NEVER want to be “that” person that caused another individual to give up or worse. Let’s take a deeper look, so you have the knowledge and tools to understand how your views or words can be stigmatizing.

Substance disorder, also known by its stigmatizing name as “addiction”, is a chronic health condition characterized by the compulsive use of any substance despite negative consequences. Unfortunately, people with substance disorders often face stigma and judgement, which can have devastating effects on their mental and physical health, as well as their overall quality of life.

Stigma also makes it more difficult for people with substance disorders or mental health challenges to find and maintain employment, housing, and other necessities. Employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a history of substance disorder or “addiction”, and landlords may be reluctant to rent to someone who is in recovery. This often leads to financial instability and social isolation, which makes it even harder for a person to overcome their health conditions.

Stigma also leads to negative self-perception and low self-esteem in people. When an individual is constantly told that they are weak or inferior because of their health condition, it can be hard for them to see themselves as worthy of love and respect. This often leads to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which makes it even harder for people to recover from these health conditions.

Stigma is devastating to people with concurrent disorders (both substances and mental health challenges together) because it makes it even more difficult for them to seek help, find and maintain necessities, and feel good about themselves. We all collectively can reduce stigma and discrimination against people with concurrent disorders so that they can feel supported and empowered to overcome their health conditions and live fulfilling lives.

Some practical suggestions for improving stigma for people are:

·         Educate yourself and others: One of the most effective ways to combat stigma is by increasing knowledge and understanding about concurrent disorders. Learn about the latest science behind addiction and the various available treatment options. Share this information with others to help combat myths and misunderstandings about substance disorders.

·         Learn about mental health disorders, what causes them and treatment options. One in five Canadians experiences mental health conditions. People sometimes are afraid of some of the signs and symptoms of mental health illness. Knowledge prevents fear.

·         Use language carefully: The words we use to describe people with these disorders can have a big impact on how they are perceived. Instead of using stigmatizing language like "junkie" "alcoholic," or “crazy” use terms like (person with substance disorder), an (individual in recovery) or (someone experiencing a mental health crisis).

·         Advocate for policy changes: Work to change laws and policies that discriminate against people with substance and mental health disorders. For example, advocate for housing, better policies for safer substance supply, decriminalization, harm reduction, or for funding for substance disorder treatment.

·         Support organizations that help people with a substance disorder or mental health challenges: Donate time or money to organizations that provide support and treatment. This can include recovery centres, sober living homes, or support groups.

·         Be an ally: If you know someone with a substance or concurrent disorder, offer your support and be there for them. Encourage them to seek treatment and offer to help them find resources. Be understanding and non-judgmental, and remember that recovery is a journey that takes time and effort. Often recovery includes many relapse events. Relapse is a fundamental part of the recovery journey.

Do not be a person who uses stigmatizing language. Think what it would be like if your brother, sister, or someone you love were referred to by stigmatizing terms. Words hurt, sometimes worse than knives or bullets.

These terms are used to stereotype people with substance or concurrent disorders and can be very damaging to their self-esteem and sense of worth. They imply that the individual is defined solely by their addiction or mental health and that they are not worthy of respect or compassion. It is important to stop using these terms and instead use language that is respectful and non-judgmental.

Note: From time to time, we may use words or phrases that are not first person, or the latest best-in-practice language. Sometimes we will use older, non-informed jargon. This is done to clarify and inform people who are learning the new non-stigmatizing language. You can tell when you run into these old or non-inclusive words or phrases. They will be in quotation marks - eg old word “addiction” – when we first introduce new words or phrases, they will be in Parenthesis - eg (people with substance disorders).

Author: Ron Merk  – Ron is a person with family-lived experience. He advocates for people with substance or mental illness. (This article was written with the help of AI -accessing the combined knowledge of humanity)

Families Helping Families is an initiative of the Port Alberni Community Action Team. We regularly send out "Learning Moment" articles to help folks understand substance illness. Knowledge is vital in understanding the disorder of our family members. You may copy, distribute or share our articles as long as you retain the attribution. Add yourself to our distribution list by dropping us a note at - albernihelp@gmail.com