By Victor DeSousa

In society in general, there are many myths and barriers associated with certain illnesses, which lead people to seek late treatment for themselves. Many people, for example, seek late treatment for cancer, fearing the repercussions that may result from chemotherapy. Mental illness does not escape this rule.

The intricate myths and labels associated with this disease prevent people with mental illness from seeking treatment for their condition. The high degree of stigma to which this type of people are subjected, constitutes one of the main concerns of public health. One of the main objectives of society and the fight against stigma is precisely to ensure all social classes, modern and improved mental health services. However, those affected by these illnesses, for the simple fact of being afraid to be labeled or being considered “crazy” do not look for them. So, the time is now to combat this fog called stigma, which involves not only people with mental illness but all the services available as well. To address this issue of stigma, one must start by realizing which path it takes, what the situation is, and understanding fundamentally what can be done to improve the situation. The use of the different media printed and otherwise, due to their enormous capacity for public exposure can and should be also considered a tool of preference in this journey to change perceptions and help in this improvement. 

WHAT IS THE STIGMA?

Basically, what is important here is to try to decipher the complexity of the question “What is Stigma?” and perceive the stigma from a social point of view. Not being able to start from the assumption that people or society in general knows what stigma is, it is necessary to understand how they elaborate it socially. Let us start from the stand point of when we ask ourselves what stigma is, what are the most common notions or responses: “Stigma is discrimination”, “Stigma is prejudice”, “Stigma is a brand”, “stigmas are those brands that appear in the hands as a symbol of Christ ”. Even though none of the statements are entirely correct and, on the other hand, none of them are entirely wrong. And the absence of a simple easy to understand “elevator pitch”, adds to the ostracizing of all suffering from mental illness, substance dependency and any ailment that at a glance causes them to feel outside of the “norms of society”. The concepts of compassion and acceptance are paramount first steps towards dismantling those negative notions and provide much needed assistance. 

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL STIGMA:

Social Stigma is a silent corrosive element of discrimination. In the general context of substance dependency, it attributes a negative perception and association between an individual person or a group who have in common the ailment of fighting addiction. This mainly means that the users are immediately and very easily labeled, stereotyped, even discriminated against and treated disparagingly, which will without exception negatively affect those living with substance dependency, along with their families, friends and the communities they are inserted in. The lack of information and overall misperception of the phenomenon of substance use, has created a social stigma made “normal, understandable, even acceptable” some discriminatory actions against not only the users but those perceived to be in contact with and in “support of their behavior!”

Why is there so much Stigma then, one might ask? Well, chances are that instead of a mental or a physical condition (ailment), the use of substances is easily criminalized due to the too many unknowns. Society in general is afraid of the unknowns, and “them” are more vulnerable and easier to be associated with that fear. The lack of knowledge inevitably causes confusion and anxiety factors fueling harmful stereotypes.

It is thus easier to understand how socialization can be undermined, and the much needed social cohesion, a condition “sine qua non” of human existence can be seriously and negatively impacted by isolating those suffering from addiction in groups (as if in a class of their own) where their condition is more likely than not to worsen and even spread. The result? Severe agglutinated health issues, and a bigger challenge in trying to control the dependency. This Stigma always carries the dire consequence of having the people conscious of the fact that they need help, to hide their dependency simply to avoid discrimination. Not seeking help immediately under these circumstances, will seriously hinder their chances for recovery.

How then does society address this problem?

Clearly the evidence shows how Stigma around these issues hamper the response. Evidence also shows that building trust and confidence in reliable health services and advice is what works more effectively. Displaying empathy with those affected, understanding the phenomenon of substance use itself, and above all adopting effective practical measures so the users and their loved ones can be kept safe are keys on the road to recovery. How we communicate about this issue is critical in the much needed support, so effective action can be taken to avoid fueling fear and stigma. In very basic terms, an environment needs to be created, in which the phenomenon of substance use and dependency can be openly, honestly and effectively be discussed and addressed.

So let us remember that WORDS do matter. Certain words and language may have a negative meaning for people and may fuel stigmatizing attitudes. They can be factors in perpetuating existing negative stereotypes, generate assumptions and reinforce false associations between the dependency and other factors (even completely non related), create widespread fears, and thus contribute to the dehumanization of those who have the dependency. Using criminalizing or dehumanizing terminology, will create the impression that those living with the addiction have somehow chosen their own fate and are paying for their own mistakes. They have done something wrong or criminal and are less human than the rest of us law abiding members of society. These concepts will only be feeding instruments of stigma which undermine the much needed empathy, and will potentially fuel a wider reluctance to seek treatment, and initiate the necessary steps towards freedom from addiction. Recovery, sobriety can be a very long and arduous journey but it is possible. Knowledge over ignorance becomes a crucial ingredient for a society that more than ever needs to be analyzed based on the way it treats the most affected among us. The most vulnerable, the most disenfranchised.