People recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) may encounter stigmas, misinformation, and emotionally distressing social interactions. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Although substance use disorders are chronic and treatable medical conditions, studies show people with these disorders still face discrimination and stigma (a set of negative attitudes and stereotypes) that can impact their health and well-being in numerous ways.” West Coast Recovery Centers educates people on the realities of addiction and recovery. Clients often find overcoming stigmas easier if they have a deeper understanding of their condition and how it impacts their lives.
Stigmas People Face During the Transition Into Aftercare
The transition from structured treatment to aftercare may leave individuals feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future. Encountering stigmas or discrimination during the transition causes some people to experience setbacks in their recovery. Avoiding situations that may result in negative interactions protects people in recovery from experiencing complications, including relapse. Individuals benefit from developing skills for coping with stigmas and stressful situations they cannot avoid in their everyday lives.
Some of the stigmas people experience during the transition to ongoing recovery include:
- The belief some people have that therapy or ongoing recovery support shows “weakness”
- Being judged or ostracized by cultural or religious communities
- Medical stigmas causing people to experience discrimination during ongoing recovery
- Potential bias or exclusion in the workplace
- Being labeled an “addict” or “alcoholic” by loved ones, community members, or coworkers
Many people also internalize stigmas. According to the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, “Internalized stigma may lead to decrements in self-esteem and self-efficacy, negatively affecting recovery.” Individuals may struggle with shame, guilt, anger, or negative emotions caused by past substance abuse and the impact it had on their health, career, family, or other aspect of their lives. Learning to practice self-forgiveness and self-acceptance helps people in aftercare avoid internalizing stigmas.
Why Is Overcoming Stigmas Important for Recovery?
Stigmas may interfere with a person’s ability to heal and grow during recovery. Individuals who develop methods for overcoming stigmas benefit from reduced feelings of anxiety and depression. In addition, stigmas often cause emotional distress and may worsen symptoms of SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders. Combatting stigmas with positivity and healthy coping techniques enhances resilience and improves overall mental health. People who do not experience lingering emotional pain from stigmas and discrimination have fewer issues in recovery and feel more motivated to maintain sobriety.
Overcoming Stigmas With Healthy Lifestyle Changes
How people approach their recovery impacts their response to stigmas and discrimination. Individuals who regularly encounter stigmas and other stressors benefit from positive lifestyle changes, including:
- Regular physical activity to improve cognition and promote emotional stability
- Incorporating mindfulness exercises into everyday activities to reduce anxiety and stress
- Creating positive social connections to reduce the risk of encountering stigmas
- Setting healthy boundaries with friends, family, and other individuals
- Practicing self-compassion and self-forgiveness
People can change who they spend time with and the types of activities they engage in to reduce exposure to stigmas and other harmful behaviors.
Modeling Positive Behaviors for Others in Recovery Reduces Stigmas
Thriving in recovery allows people to spend their time supporting and uplifting other individuals in treatment for substance abuse. Healthy patterns of behavior enable people to manage situations with calmness and resilience. Modeling positive behaviors requires mindfulness, accountability, and a willingness to openly share with others.
People overcome stigmas by doing the following:
- Educating themselves and others on addiction and mental health
- Engaging in honest and open discussions
- Confronting and debunking harmful stereotypes
- Raising awareness of substance use and mental health disorders
Individuals who perpetuate misinformation and stigmas may not know any better. Witnessing healthy interactions and personal growth in others may convince some people to stop spreading ignorant or misinformed beliefs and ideas. Combatting stigmas improves self-confidence and resilience by teaching people to stand up against views that may harm individuals in recovery.
The Challenges of Educating Others About Substance Abuse
West Coast Recovery Centers educates individuals and communities to create a safe space where clients and their loved ones feel comfortable discussing their condition with others. However, while some people may be open to learning about what it means to live with SUD, others may not be willing to accept different points of view.
A few of the challenges people encounter when attempting to educate others about the realities of addiction include:
- Ingrained negative stereotypes
- Lack of awareness
- Different cultural, religious, or social norms
- Resistance and denial of reality
- Misunderstanding about the complexity of addiction recovery
- Strong emotional reactions
- Reluctance to change
West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients and their loved ones navigate relationships affected by stigmas, discrimination, and misinformation. Stigmas cause harm to everyone, including the people perpetuating them. Finding positive ways to combat stigmas can reduce stress and improve mental health for individuals in recovery.
Stigmas impact how people think about themselves, their condition, and others. The language people use to describe substance abuse and recovery has a profound effect on individuals in recovery. Educating families and communities on the realities of addiction and recovery allows people to combat stigmas. Reducing the stress people feel during treatment and aftercare improves outcomes for individuals in recovery and reduces the risk of relapse. West Coast Recovery Centers educates clients and their loved ones on addiction recovery and practical ways to counter stigmas or discrimination. Everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered during treatment. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you thrive in recovery, call our office today at (760) 492-6509.