“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.
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Thank you for all you are doing to help your child during this challenging time.
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On the contrary, it shows confidence when you can talk about your past experiences, however harsh they may be. Your blog is doing a good service by helping those who may now be going through similar struggles. I don’t think you have anything to be ashamed of! It may be a little rough to write about something that is so personal, but that’s a necessary pain for the benefits that can come out of your writings. Stay strong!
Hi Steven, thanks for your words of support! I do feel that writing the blog has done so much for me personally. It has given me a purpose and a way to spread awareness about a cause I feel deeply about. Appreciate you stopping by Treatment Talk!
Beautiful and so true. Brava!!! Only when we take addiction out of the darkness and into the light can we hope to heal. My love and thanks to you. Keep going!
I agree that addiction needs to be visible. Thanks for your comment!
I feel really strongly that unless we start talking openly about addiction and its effects we always will have stigma and discrimination. Dont even get me started on bereaved through addiction and that particular stigma!!
Hi Amanda, I completely agree with you that we need to talk openly about addiction. It would be wonderful if those in recovery were out of the closet. I do understand the concerns that some may have about that and how it might jeopardize their career, but to protect our kids from starting down the road to substance abuse and addiction, we need to make a change. Thanks so much for your comment.
Cathy,
Your blog does such a wonderful job of shining a light on addiction, whether one’s own or that of a family member. I haven’t written about this before, but my younger brother was a drug addict. He died years ago of an overdose. My poor parents had no idea how to cope with his addiction other than to be bewildered and ashamed.
As a teen-ager, I sensed that I had to be the good one, and I was was. I got good grades, didn’t get into trouble, and finished college. Then I distanced myself figuratively and literally by spending much of my adult life thousands of miles away from the rest of my family. So I deeply appreciate the work you are doing here and on social media.
One small point: As a person with type 2 diabetes caused by gestational diabetes (two babies each over 9 pounds), I see a lot of blaming in the media and on internet forums. A sense that people with diabetes have only themselves to blame. Not true, not helpful!
Hi Madeleine,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. This is the toll that addiction takes on so many families. The stigma is still apparent, but years ago, it was even worse. Families, especially parents are devastated when their children abuse drugs or alcohol and become addicted. Not only do they feel responsible, but they also have to feel the shame of the disease from others..
I do hope that the information from my site as well as other sites will help educate us all on the disease so that we have more compassion for those struggling, and can provide effective support. Take care and thank you for your kind words.