Stigma’s Role
The Heroes in Recovery movement’s mission is to break the stigma that follows addiction, alcoholism and mental illness. But how many of us who have been touched by this disease have actually put to words what that stigma feels and looks like in our lives? How has it impacted us in the past and how will it continue to do so in the future? How do we respond to it? We cannot break this stigma unless we identify it and talk about it.
Negative thoughts or beliefs held by a society, whether founded or unfounded, can create a stigma. Concealing the truth behind a veil of preconceived notions or ideologies that no longer serves the current conscious grid is another factor that can perpetuate the stigma. The dictionary may call it a way to strongly condemn behavior, criticize severely, reproach one’s reputation or to discredit, disgrace and dishonor. In times past, a brandishing mark was worn by one whose behavior was condemned. But in Webster’s Dictionary, it is also defined as a mark or trait that is characteristic of a defect or disease. All these words define stigma but do not tell us what it feels like and looks like or how we as individuals should respond to it.
Attaching a stigma to those in active addiction has been carried on through generations. The labels placed on these individuals started when very little was known about the actual disease. It was still thought to be a behavioral choice. These same labels persist today even as we understand addiction and its symptoms. The common picture painted in these situations is of people living under a bridge who are homeless, weak and have no dreams or goals. They do not function in society, are in and out of jail, and cannot be trusted. They are in dirty dingy 12-step meetings with other helpless people. They are failures at living. While this may be true of some, the stereotype is not accurate of most addicts by any means.
This viewpoint is commonly shared not only by the general public, but also by addicts and their families. Those who are actively using may not see themselves in that negative light, as they may work a high level job, make great money, have a home, have a family and are the life of the party. A family member may not identify with the stigma because life has its ups and downs. Their loved one may be occasionally low on money. The family members may see arguing as the norm in their relationship and choose to cover up for someone who is too sick to work. That is not the same as the stereotype they were taught. This type of mindset (denial based on stigma) perpetuates a willingness to keep secrets, be fearful of the unknown and to remain untrusting. This can translate into an unwillingness to seek the help and treatment you and your family deserve. Stigma is a main supporter of active disease.
What happens when the individual reaches beyond the stigma and finds his way to recovery? Does that label disappear, change or shift? The stigma of recovery has its’ own picture. Some may view recovery as only a temporary fix. Others will never trust the individual or believe that recovery is possible. The Family may keep their distance, feel embarrassed or angry.They leave it up to their loved ones to do it on their own. The person in recovery may feel others will talk behind his back, or wonder “will I be shunned” or believe “I will be alone and can’t trust anyone.” Some expect the addict to drink or drug in social settings so they can still have fun together. The addict also might wonder what others think and feel about his recovery. Recovery meetings may have the image of consisting of mainly older people, so younger addicts may think that there are no people their age to connect with.
In early recovery, if these stigmas are still believed, the feelings they generate can impact an individual’s recovery. These feelings are played out with the addict’s actions. Attending meetings may be humiliating and scary based on beliefs. So you, the addict, may park your car way down the street and walk, and when you get there you may not use your real name. Meetings are often dropped because there are no friends there. You may keep your treatment and recovery a secret from family and friends for fear of rejection, embarrassment or having it used against you. Family may stay away because they still live in fear, don’t know how to communicate or think that life goes on as usual. Social gatherings are awkward when drinks are offered and you decline. A job search can be intimidating when your honesty may cost you a job. But recovery moves on and there are choices. We can let the negative mindset and self-doubt based on the stigma lead us back to using or we can learn that each new situation that brings uncomfortable feelings will eventually become easier to handle. It teaches everyone the stigma is not the truth. Those moments turn into moments of grace and growth and we all learn where and how to live a happy and healthy life of our own making.
If we wish to get rid of the stigma, we must stay honest, stop the rumors and tell the truth. The stigma that is now the equivalent of old wives’ tales needs to be replaced with current day scientific fact and examples of successful recovery. Addiction is a disease that millions have learned to live with successfully. Respond by helping us bring the truth about addiction and recovery out of the darkness by telling your story. We do not have to break your anonymity or confidentiality to tell your story. We just need to tell your story of recovery to break the stigma.