Drug addiction leads to thousands of deaths, derailed lives, and broken homes each year in the U.S. Yet regardless of the destruction associated with drug abuse, the drug addiction stigma continues to influence the public perception of drug use in general. A person who would otherwise join a drug addiction treatment program may continue to use drugs due to the distorted views of friends, family, culture, and society at large.
Drug addiction stigma is not only a cultural problem. It also affects how medical professionals view drug use – both illicit and prescription. The stigma also shapes government policies and political platforms as well as the allocation of funding for women’s rehab programs. In a nutshell, the stigma toward drug addiction affects every area associated with drug use and treatment. At Women’s Recovery, we want to dispel some of these myths and help you overcome addiction. To learn more about our addiction treatment resources, contact our team today at 833.754.0554.
Myth 1: An Addicted Person Is Easy to Spot
Chances are, you know more people who are suffering from addiction than you realize. You may recognize that they have an addiction. One of the first steps in overcoming the stigma of drug addiction is realizing that anyone can have a substance use disorder. Some people can hide their addiction better than others, such as hiding it behind a seemingly perfect public or professional image. Yet addiction can strike anyone, anywhere, for any reason.
Myth 2: Only Illicit Drugs Are Addictive
Currently, the opioid and benzo epidemics are at an all-time high. More people are abusing and dying from prescription drugs than ever before. Sadly, due to the drug addiction stigma and the continual promotion of these drugs, the distribution of these types of medications isn’t slowing down any time soon. Illicit drugs are not the only addictive drugs on the market.
Myth 3: A Drug Treatment Program Doesn’t Work
Many people who complete a substance abuse treatment program can relapse after the program is over, but there is also a large number of people who stay clean and continue to recover. If you take advantage of all that substance abuse treatment offers, you are more likely to recover successfully and never return to your addiction.
Myth 4: Addiction is All in the Mind
There is some truth to this half-myth. However, the statement that addiction is all in your mind doesn’t tell the whole story. Drugs alter brain function. With continued use, the brain becomes dependent on the drug. Once this happens, it takes a tremendous amount of focus, discipline, and effort to get off the drug. Consequently, most women who detox on their own may end up failing. It’s only through a substance abuse treatment program that they find the will to stop using drugs for good.
How to Overcome the Drug Addiction Stigma
There are several ways that you can overcome the stigma of drug addiction, including:
- Don’t be influenced by social medial
- Look up information about drugs from credible sources
- Speak with a drug treatment specialist about your addiction
- Understand the cultural impact on drug use
- Research any drug prescribed by your doctor before you take it
- Recognize or admit an addiction when it happens
Our society today is less sensitized to drug use than ever before. You can see multiple instances of drug use in TVs and movies and hear about it in music. Pop culture and society, in general, have primarily ignored drug addiction regardless of the consequences. However, you can overcome the stigma of drug addiction by educating yourself and taking precautions before you use any drug.
Learn More About Drug Addiction Stigma at Women’s Recovery
We offer a comprehensive drug treatment program for drug and alcohol addiction. Our treatment options include:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
Call us today to get started with your treatment plan. If you would like to learn more about drug addiction stigma, then contact Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554.
