It’s hardly groundbreaking to say that alcohol and drug dependency are both heavily stigmatized. Unfortunately, this can have a devastating effect on those struggling with addiction. Many of these people never seek out treatment because they feel ashamed and judged, which leads to a lot of unnecessary emotional pain and suffering. We firmly believe that ending the stigma of addiction will massively help those on the journey towards recovery.
Addiction is Misunderstood
The biggest reason why addiction is so heavily stigmatized is because it’s widely misunderstood. Many people believe it to be a choice and a moral failing — but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Addiction is highly complex and many different factors can cause a person to develop it. These include their social environment, genetic predisposition, and the traumatic events they experience. In all cases, addiction is never simple and blaming those suffering from it for their ailment is unfair and unjustified.
Stigma Can Cause a Lot of Harm
Social stigma doesn’t just lead to negative feelings — it can cause a lot of real-life damage. Those struggling with addiction are well-aware of the societal judgment they face. Their hear family members and friends make unsympathetic comments about other drug users. They notice the negative judgments people make and see the cartoonish portrayals of addicts on film and TV. Because of this, many people learn to hide their struggles in order to avoid the negative judgments of those around them. In many cases, people avoid getting help for as long as possible simply because they don’t want to face society’s negative perceptions of them. Even worse, they may come to believe the popular narrative that addiction is a choice. They may try to quit using just by using their willpower or attempt to make better choices. Neither of these approaches tends to work, of course, because addiction is far more complicated by simply making certain decisions. However, internalizing this popular narrative can cause many people to postpone finding a more effective treatment for themselves.
Get The Help You Need with Hickory Treatment Centers
Here at Hickory Treatment Centers, we go beyond the stigma and cliches and seek to find the true reasons behind your addiction. Our talented team members use a wide range of approaches to find the best course of treatment for each patient. We mix and match various approaches and techniques so that we can always meet the unique needs of anyone who walks through our doors. Don’t delay making the next step in your recovery — we’re here to help and we’ll go above and beyond to make sure you receive the care you need. Get in touch now and our helpful team members will talk you through your options.
