Alcohol and drug dependence must be seen as a normal illness, which can be managed with medication and therapy. Unfortunately, treatment and awareness about the condition are to a large extent incumbent on how society treats its patients. Addiction is seen as a failure or weakness of mind. This perception severely undermines treatment because it reduces the number of patients who willingly go to centers, or even admit the problem to themselves.
Image Source: recovery.org
Medical studies have shown that social stigma directly impacts how long a person stays in therapy. Those who feel a great sense of shame typically spend two to six months longer in therapy than a recovering addict who feels understood. Moreover, the less accepting patients are of the condition, the more resistant they are to change. It is not unusual to have ashamed patients sink into a depressive state, further exacerbating their condition.
Image Source: medicinenet.com
There are initiatives both at the community and national level aiming to reduce the pervasive social stigma of addiction. These mainly involve educating the public about the reasons for addiction, how it develops, and how anyone – regardless of severity or circumstance – can manage it and eventually recover.
Complete recovery may not be possible for all cases. A lot of patients are made aware of their condition and work through managing it. Even this, however, is a formidable task that requires focused and extensive therapy. It is also a step in the right direction, one that allows the recovering addict to transition back into society.
Morningside Recovery is a trusted alcohol and drug dependence treatment center. Learn more about treating drug and alcohol dependence by visiting the center’s official website.
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