How To Get Out of Substance Use Disorder and Addiction Stigma?
Unfortunately, the addiction stigma is a deadly belief. It prevents millions of people from stopping drug or alcohol usage. So, they do not seek help. Indeed, addiction is a brain disease. Nevertheless, it should be treated. However, stigma creates a sense of fear and prevents addicted individuals from reaching out for help. Finally, it costs even their lives.
The fortunate thing is that addiction treatment is now possible. Studies show that more than 20 million Americans have recovered from alcohol usage problems. They came out because they got help and erased the stigma of addiction. So, it becomes important to find ways to break the stigma of addiction. Here are some tips to help you break the stigma and come out of drug and alcohol use:
Ways To Deal With the Stigma of Addiction
Become An Expert For Overcoming Addiction
The first thing you can do to break the stigma is to seek out expert information. For this purpose, you can construct a list of dependable resources on recovery, treatment, and addiction. You can delve into:
- Personal Testimonials
- Medical Research
- News Coverage
- Policies
- Community Awareness Coalitions
- Public Health Studies
You will gain a lot of knowledge from the websites mentioned above. With the knowledge you gain, you will understand that alcohol and other drug addiction is curable.
Use Words That Can Reduce Substance Use Stigma
Remember that there is an urgent requirement to handle the stigma that surrounds addiction. You should spot the wide range of challenges that stigma poses to you and your community. When you choose the right de-addiction service like Sober Centre, you can get the right help with handling stigma.
This center is committed to dismantling the stigma within its health system. Breaking the stigma is an essential part of its strategy. In turn, it helps patients tackle the overdose and addiction crisis. One technique you can follow is to revise your words and phrases. You should do this when you discuss substance use problems and the individuals affected by it.
Studies show that to reduce stigma, you should use person-first language. It means that the attention should be on the person, not the condition he/she faces. Rather than using terms like ‘substance abuser’, you can use terms like ‘a person with alcohol use disorder’.
The other options available for stigmatizing language are consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. You can learn about stigmatizing words and their alternatives here:
Stigmatizing Words | Alternative Words |
Medication-assisted treatment | Medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder |
Dirty (or clean) toxicology results | Positive (or Negative) toxicology results |
Clean Person | Person In Recovery |
Problem | Heavy, unhealthy or risky use |
Addicted Baby | Babies exposed to opioids |
User | A person with Substance Abuse Disorder |
Drug Habit | Addiction |
Drug/substance Abuse | Drug use disorder |
Accept Substance Use Disorder
People with addiction should understand that denial is the biggest barrier to recovery. Acceptance will help you get out of the stigma as well. You should spot and accept that you have an addiction problem. However, it is curable. Acceptance is the initial step towards the journey of getting back to your healthy lifestyle.
Do Not Try To Handle Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction Individually
It is better not to handle your addictive disorder yourself. When you do this, you may stop using drugs all of a sudden. You might do it out of your commitment. Even, you might battle against stigma and its negative effects. But remember that to prevent relapse, those who have become addicted need an experienced and knowledgeable organization to help. Particularly, you need a detox, and the de-addiction organization will help you with it.
The organization will stay with you when you begin recovery. You will be provided therapy for effectively managing withdrawal symptoms. Also, experts will help promote the healing of your body and mind throughout the process.
You need not have to deal with addiction relief toughly. It should be done with ease. Only then will you succeed in your recovery. Also, with expert help, you can effectively handle stigma. A licensed drug treatment center that comes with sustained support will make the process easy for you.
Spread the Message on the Effects of Substance Addiction
No one can deny the fact that social media is a simple yet powerful tool these days. You can use your social media account to spread awareness of the effects of substance addiction. On social media, you can follow expert resources.
Also, on your favorite social media platform, you can find meaningful content that will keep you stay motivated against stigma. To combat the stigma, you can share media stories and other content, and even you can use recovery hashtags.
Social media lets you connect to recovery and treatment services and advocacy groups in your community. If you have a personal recovery story, share it with your network. Indeed, you can share it if you feel comfortable. Otherwise, it is better not to do it.
Recognize That Treatment Works To Handle Symptoms and Causes of Addiction
Always remember that caregivers and clinicians are making meaningful changes in the lives of patients with addiction. Addiction is a chronic condition. It is not easy to get out of alcohol addiction after a certain point. But, be it substance or activity addiction, experts in de-addiction services can help.
They will help you effectively handle the symptoms of addiction. They will frame a treatment program customized for you. Along with the best treatment options and support services, you should recognize that professional help will get the relief you expect. Believe in them, you will quickly stop using the drug with their support.
FAQs
Frequent swings, inability to withdraw even after several attempts, and agitation are key symptoms of addiction. Addiction may affect your cool nature to a great extent. If you experience these signs of addiction, it is better to contact a support group.
Yes, you can. If you are addicted to drugs and wish to stop using a substance, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Hotline number. Here, you can get abuse treatment and mental health referrals. The number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Indeed, you can find many private de-addiction services like Sober Centre, where your physical and mental health will be taken care of.
Yes, people with addiction face one or more associated health disorders. For instance, if you are addicted, you may develop mental health conditions, certain types of cancers, stroke, and heart and lung diseases. You can get to know the damaging effects of alcohol or other drugs via chest X-rays, imaging scans, and blood tests. So, do not get caught in the vicious circle of nicotine or drug abuse. Get help and safeguard your physical and mental health.
