By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    physical health
    5 Ways Playing Games Can Improve Neural and Physical Health
    September 9, 2022
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
    August 20, 2025
    Hospital Pest Control and the Fight Against Superbugs
    August 20, 2025
    Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
    August 13, 2025
    5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
    August 3, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Almost Anybody Qualifies for Medicaid in Maine
    November 23, 2012
    ebola and EHR
    Ebola: Are We Relying on EHR to Tell the Story?
    October 24, 2014
    Caitlin Kelly
    How Would You Fix Healthcare? – Question and Answers.
    January 16, 2013
    Latest News
    How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
    August 22, 2025
    How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
    August 22, 2025
    How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
    August 22, 2025
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Breaking Through The Stigma Of Addiction: Why It’s Okay To Ask For Help
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Health care > Breaking Through The Stigma Of Addiction: Why It’s Okay To Ask For Help
Health carePublic Health

Breaking Through The Stigma Of Addiction: Why It’s Okay To Ask For Help

John Henning
John Henning
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

 

Contents
  • What is stigma?
  • The stigma of addiction
  • Why stigma is so dangerous
  • Why addicts shouldn’t be ashamed
  • Why it’s okay to ask for help

If you’re struggling with addiction, stigma is probably on your mind in some way. You may worry what people will think of you or what they’ll say when you’re not around.

As much as we’d all like to believe we don’t care what others say, it’s a part of human nature. You may be able to handle criticisms when you’re on top of the world, but it’s always a bit harder when you’re already in a vulnerable state. Addiction can put anyone in a vulnerable place.

What is stigma?

There are all kinds of stigmas, and you can bet that none of them are good. Stigma is a set of negative beliefs that society tends to bestow on a set of people or subject matter.

More Read

Obamacare 411
Obamacare “Is a Hacker’s Dream”
Carrier Oils Vs. Essential Oils: Which One Is Preferred In Aromatherapy
Health Insurance For Same Sex Couples
Romney on ’60 Minutes’: ED Care Appropriate as Safety Net

As a result of a stigma, people may say or believe disparaging things about an addict. People may shame or discriminate against others. The most frustrating part about stigma fueled views is that they are almost never based in fact. They are almost always based on antiquated notions or false assumptions on complex matters.

The stigma of addiction

Many people believe that addicts have chosen drugs over productive things like a job or family. But if you’re struggling with addiction, you know that isn’t the case.

People may say things like, “I don’t feel sorry for that person because they did it to themselves.” And while no one needs pity, the stigmatic statement is based entirely on false beliefs. We may be able to handle this type of attitude from strangers, but the most problematic stigma comes from the people we love.

Why stigma is so dangerous

Whether we’re talking about addiction or STIs, stigma is so powerful that it often keeps people from getting help. The real danger of stigma is that it leads to shame. The person dealing with the problem is left plagued with shame. And they’d rather hide the problem than admit it.

Shame doesn’t solve anything. Some people mistakenly think they can shame an addict into stopping their behavior. But unfortunately, once they’re addicted, it’s almost impossible for them to stop on their own. So all shame does is keep the addict from admitting their problem.

Why addicts shouldn’t be ashamed

According to the NSDUH, about 21.5 million adults over the age of 12 experienced a substance abuse disorder in 2014. Within that year, only 2.5 million received treatment.

Addiction is a disease. Being ashamed of addiction is like being ashamed of diabetes.

You may have made a choice to use the substance in the first place, but you’re not the only one. Anyone who has ever used drugs or alcohol has no grounds for judgment. They could have just as easily become addicted. They may believe it’s about control, but addiction is not within anyone’s control.

Whether or not you become addicted has to do with a number of factors. Genetics, family history, demographics, mental health, and previous trauma are all things that play a role in your likelihood of becoming addicted.

You can use the same drug at the same frequency and in the same quantity as a friend, but you get addicted and they don’t. It’s not exactly a matter of chance, but it may as well be. None of us can know exactly when addiction will take hold. And it’s too late to stop when it does.

Why it’s okay to ask for help

Even if your loved ones currently subscribe to the addiction stigma, they only want what’s best for you. If you’re addicted, there’s a chance your friends and family already know.

Start by talking about your problem and how to find drug addiction treatment centers like Detoxlocal in your area. That’s the important part. Then, you can address the stigma through education. This paper by the Drug Policy Alliance is a good start to provide education about addiction and why its stigma is false and harmful.

TAGGED:addictionmental healthstigmassubstance abusewellness
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By John Henning
John Henning is a nutritionist, freelance writer, and food blogger that provides accessible nutrition info to help people live a healthier life. His unique approach to nutrition emphasizes nutrient-dense, whole foods and healthy habits rather than restrictive diets.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

engineer fitting prosthetic arm
How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
Health care
August 20, 2025
a woman explaining the document
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
Public Health
August 20, 2025
physiotherapist at work
How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
Health care
August 20, 2025
Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs
7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
Health News
August 20, 2025

You Might also Like

Public Health

2012: The Year in HealthCare Charts

January 8, 2013
patient engagement
BusinessHealth ReformPublic Health

Patient Engagement: Blockbuster Drug Or Snake Oil?

August 28, 2013
Health wonks
Health ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

If You Like the Health Wonk Review You Currently Have, You Can Keep It

November 9, 2013

Pennsylvania House of Representatives Passes Medical Marijuana Bill

March 31, 2016
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?