Have You Been Stung by the Stigma of Addiction?

“A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support. No one would feel embarrassed about seeking help for a child if they broke their arm — and we should be equally ready to support a child coping with emotional difficulties.” ~ Kate Middleton

Have you felt the stigma of addiction?

When I first started writing, I wanted to be anonymous and hide behind some generic descriptions of my purpose. As time went on and I began to reveal more of myself.

I revealed my first and last name. I added a picture of myself. I wrote posts about my family’s story. I then began to tell others that I was online with my story.

Then the stigma hit me.

It reminded me of a record when the music screeches to a stop.

Would you be comfortable putting your story online?

My family and close friends all know my story, but it’s when I feel the need to share my past with a new friend or acquaintance that it becomes difficult and I feel discomfort.

For me, this is still the tough part of going public. The thought goes through my mind; What will they think of me? Will they think I am a bad parent?

I’m still working on getting past my feelings about the stigma of addiction. It’s been an evolving process that most likely will continue to some degree throughout my life.

Have you felt supported throughout your addiction journey?

I remind myself to pay close attention to the words of those who have experienced substance use:

When we choose a healthy lifestyle for ourselves, we influence those around us by our example.
When we remember to let go of trying to control others, we allow them to be responsible for their own lives.
Living a better life means making better choices.

How has the stigma of addiction held you back?

There is social and legal discrimination against people with addictions, because of the stigma.

Many people just don’t think of it as a disease, but still, consider it a character flaw or weakness without a cure. This explains why those struggling with substance use and their families hide the disease.

Although understanding a disease that you have not experienced can be difficult, it’s important to try, and break the stereotypes. Medical research has revealed that addiction is a physical, chronic disease much like diabetes or high blood pressure.

You wouldn’t dream of judging someone with one of those medical conditions. When people stop thinking about addiction as a character flaw, more people will be able to get help.

If you feel you are a victim of a stigma, you may begin to internalize the anger, which then changes to feeling the emotion of shame.

Here are ways to rise above the stigma of addiction.

Let go of the fear, and when possible, reveal who you really are.
Find your strength and know that you can do something about addiction.
Become visible in your stand on recovery, or any other cause that you support.
Let go of living your life to meet the expectations of others.
Support the reality that addiction is a disease, not a character weakness.
Be an advocate for those with a substance use issue.
Love yourself first, so that you can pass that love on freely to others.

Addiction is an invisible disease.

There are millions in recovery, yet they are often invisible. It is understandable when your job is on the line, that you need to be careful about revealing your past. That being said, consider that addiction will only come to the forefront of concern when we stand up and say that we have had enough of watching too many lives destroyed by this disease.

In whatever way you can, let your voice be heard.

You will be free when you choose to be authentic and be true to who you really are

What are your thoughts about the stigma of addiction? Let us know in the comments.