Healthcare
Impacting the Stigma
Shame and fear keep millions from seeking addiction treatment, but changing public perception could unlock the path to recovery
Key takeaways
Stigma prevents many people from seeking treatment for addiction.
Normalizing addiction is critical to reducing shame.
Accessible resources are necessary for supporting individuals with substance use disorders.
Stigma is a major barrier to people getting the support they need for substance use disorders. People who are struggling with addiction often feel ashamed and isolated, and they may be afraid to seek help because they don’t want to be judged. This stigma can also affect family members, who may feel like they are to blame for the addiction or that they will be judged if they talk about it.
We need to do more to normalize the idea of addiction and to make sure that people know that they are not alone.
We also need to make sure that there are accessible and affordable resources available to people who need help.
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