Stigma involves negative stereotypes, labels and discrimination against a group of people. Although people can be stigmatized for many reasons and in a variety of settings, health-related stigma can be especially problematic. An article in BMC Medicine notes that it affects all quality care elements: diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. The authors note that stigma about…
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Addiction is challenging, and the stigma that surrounds it makes it even harder to manage. Social stigma, sometimes called public stigma, occurs when people have negative prejudices and stereotypes about a particular group, and unfortunately, people with addiction often find themselves in that category. Of the 18 most stigmatized conditions, illicit drug use disorder tops…
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Words have power. What we say about addiction impacts the stigma around it. Saying words like “addicts,” “alcoholic” or even “drug-fueled” can cause problems. Stigma can lead a person to keep their addiction a secret. They may also avoid seeking help. You may not even be aware that you are promoting stigma, but a…
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What do we mean by “stigma” in addiction recovery? The Society for the Study of Addiction defines stigma as “a sociocultural process in which social groups are devalued, rejected and excluded on the basis of a socially discredited health condition.” They note that it can be seen in at least three levels in addiction recovery:…
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Family therapy has shown to be a very effective part of substance abuse treatment, but if the thought of it seems daunting, that’s understandable. It’s not unusual to feel nervous about something with which you may not be familiar. Let us demystify what family therapy is and help you and your family gain clarity on…
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Being a parent can be both deeply rewarding and immensely challenging, especially if your child needs substance abuse treatment. If your child is college-age or older, there are extra considerations since you may feel unsure of your role and of what you can actually do to help. Be encouraged, though, that even if your child…
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Family relationships affect substance abuse treatment because, in addiction, biology, psychology, and a patient’s social network all play a part. Usually, a person’s family is their most significant social network, with the longest-lasting and most intense relationships. Family members often feel helpless in the face of addiction, but, in reality, there’s a lot that they…
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Starting substance use treatment can be an overwhelming experience. With safety concerns about COVID-19, you may wonder how it all fits together. We understand that this is an emotional time, and we’re here to help. Learn more about our safety protocols and all the treatment options available to your loved one. Even with the…
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If you have a family member living with a drug addiction, you know the importance of finding affordable treatment. Just as the entire family feels the addiction’s effects, the entire family is generally involved in looking for solutions. You may feel overwhelmed by the thought of paying for substance abuse treatment, but there are multiple…
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Affordable drug rehab is necessary because none of us have unlimited budgets, and choosing how to spend our resources wisely is a decision we continuously face. Unfortunately, many people who need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse don’t receive it, and sometimes that’s because they’re concerned about the fees. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health…
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