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Apr 3, 2024

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THE STIGMA OF DRUG ADDICTION 1 The Stigma of Drug Addiction University of Guelph

THE STIGMA OF DRUG ADDICTION 2 Introduction The stigma surrounding drug addiction is a pervasive societal issue that often increases the challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This stigma comes from historical, cultural, and policy factors, contributing to the marginalization of those affected. Scientists begin to study drug addiction around the 1930s and these individuals with drug addictions were perceived as morally deficient and lacking in self-discipline. Consequently, there was a predominant emphasis on punishment rather than preventative measures and treatment. (Volkow, 2023). In contemporary times, advancements in scientific understanding have significantly altered our perspectives and responses to addiction and substance use disorders. Individuals who face this stigma often receive discrimination and barriers to receiving help. This stigma can lead individuals to refrain from seeking assistance due to the fear of facing judgment or repercussions at work, from loved ones, or even legal consequences (Government of Canada, 2023). Prompt individuals to conceal their drug use or engage in solitary drug use (Government of Canada, 2023). Impact an individual's capacity to secure housing and employment, consequently influencing their overall health and quality of life (Government of Canada, 2023). Result in individuals who use drugs receiving subpar care within the healthcare system when they seek services (Government of Canada, 2023). Who it Targets? The stigma of drug addiction primarily targets individuals who struggle with substance abuse disorders. It could include individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic status. Researchers approximate that approximately 40 to 60 percent of an individual's susceptibility to addiction is attributable to genetic factors, which surround the influence of environmental factors on gene expression, known as epigenetics (Volkow, 2023). Additionally,

THE STIGMA OF DRUG ADDICTION 3 adolescents/youth and individuals experiencing mental health disorders face a greater risk of engaging in drug use and developing addiction compared to others (Volkow, 2023). Environmental factors could include home, family, peers, and school. Within the family context, factors such as parenting style, the extent of emotional attachment between parents and children, instances of abuse or neglect, and the family's historical background exert considerable influence (Bereska, 2021). Within the peer’s context, the nature of peers regarding their norms effects their ability (Bereska, 2021). Within school, academic abilities or success, participation for extracurricular, and feeling of belonging all contribute to the nature of drug use (Bereska, 2021). The stigma tends to manifest as judgment, blame, and exclusion, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination that hinders individuals from seeking help and support. What and who might Perpetuate Drug addiction Stigma? The stigma of drug addiction perpetuates prejudice, several stereotypes, and discrimination to those individuals. Prejudice against individuals who use injection drugs is linked to various personality traits, such as conservatism and religious fundamentalism. Additionally, it is associated with perceiving drug use as more controllable. (Earnshaw et al., 2013). In fact, healthcare workers were found to have high prejudices for drug abuse who inject (Earnshaw et al., 2013). There is a widespread acceptance of stereotypes about drug users. Studies highlighted how these stereotypes, endorsed by healthcare providers and researchers, pose significant barriers to conducting research involving individuals with a history of drug addiction. These stereotypes include beliefs that individuals with a history of drug use are non- compliant, prioritize getting high overusing safe injection equipment, lack strong communities, and are perceived as being out of control and unwilling to change their risk behaviors (Earnshaw et al., 2013). For example, in one study, hospital nurses predominantly endorsed stereotypes

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THE STIGMA OF DRUG ADDICTION 4 depicting drug users as violent, possessing weak characters, being unhygienic, having contagious diseases, and being dangerous (Earnshaw et al., 2013). Discrimination is also seen against people with a history of drug addiction. This is acceptable to most people because the use of drugs itself is illegal and unlike discrimination towards individuals based on their race, sex, physical/mental disabilities, people who have addictions do not fall under those categories (Earnshaw et al., 2013). This stigma reinforces the misconception that addiction is solely a result of personal weakness or moral failure rather than a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Additionally, the stigma associate’s individuals with substance use disorders with criminal behavior, creating a barrier to their reintegration into society. People would “look down” or “thought less” of them, people would see them as untrustworthy, and would even receive social rejection or inadequate medical treatment (Earnshaw et al., 2013). This perpetuation of prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination further impedes efforts to view addiction as a treatable health condition, hindering access to appropriate medical care and support. Recommendations to Challenging and/or Dismantling Drug Addiction Stigma Drug addiction is a strong challenge for many of the users as they’re in a current state where they are confused and do not know how to overcome it. As people continue to stigmatized these individuals, it only makes it worse and could lead to potential life endangerment. There are ways individuals could reduce stigmatization of drug addictions. Avoid defining individuals solely based on their drug use, show respect, compassion, and care towards individuals who use drugs, educate your friends and family by sharing accurate information and confronting stereotypes, acknowledge that addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a voluntary choice, and deserves appropriate care akin to any other medical ailment, and stay mindful of your

THE STIGMA OF DRUG ADDICTION 5 attitudes and behaviors as they might be shaped by stereotypes and negative portrayals of people who use drugs (Government of Canada, 2023). Another way to dismantle it is media portrayal. The media's power lies in its ability to shape narratives, set agendas, and influence public opinion, impacting how individuals perceive, understand, and respond to the world around them. Researchers have the idea to develop an addiction, science, policy, and medica partnership called “Reporting on Addiction”. Reporting on Addiction is a collaborative initiative focused on countering media-driven stigma and discrimination associated with addiction. Acknowledging the media's influence on policy-making and public perception, the project aims to shape more accurate and empathetic narratives surrounding addiction, treatment, and recovery (Stoltman et al., 2022). By leveraging expertise, both professional and experiential, alongside media professionals, the initiative seeks to address the problematic portrayal of addiction in the media. Strategies include providing guidance and support to journalists, encouraging stories that emphasize hope, treatment, and recovery, and urging journalists to critically evaluate their language and narrative intentions (Stoltman et al., 2022). The aim is to empower journalists to reshape societal perspectives on addiction, driving not only cultural shifts but also influencing policies and laws to better support individuals grappling with addiction and recovery. Conclusion The stigma regarding drug addiction, rooted in historical biases and societal misconceptions, poses significant barriers for individuals battling substance abuse. With discrimination and barriers to assistance, this stigma deters individuals from seeking help, impacting their housing, employment, and overall well-being. Perpetuated by prejudices and stereotypes endorsed by healthcare workers and the media, this stigma wrongly portrays addiction as a personal failing rather than a complex health issue. To combat this, advocating for

THE STIGMA OF DRUG ADDICTION 6 compassion, accurate education, and reformed media representation through initiatives like "Reporting on Addiction" is crucial. Reshaping societal attitudes and policies can pave the way for a more empathetic and supportive environment for those grappling with addiction and recovery. References Bereska, T. M. (2021, July 12). Deviance, conformity, and social control in Canada. Sixth edition . Pearson Canada. ISBN eText: 9780136603924

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THE STIGMA OF DRUG ADDICTION 7 Earnshaw, V., Smith, L., & Copenhaver, M. (2013). Drug Addiction Stigma in the Context of Methadone Maintenance Therapy: An Investigation into Understudied Sources of Stigma. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction , 11 (1), 110–122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-012-9402-5 Government of Canada. (2023, September 05). Stigma around drug use. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/stigma.html Stoltman, J. J., Marra, A., Uppercue, K., & Terplan, M. (2022). Reporting on Addiction: An Innovative, Collaborative Approach to Reduce Stigma by Improving Media Coverage and Public Messaging about Addiction Treatment and Recovery. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 241 , 109648-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109648 Volkow, N.D. (2023, May 30). Drugs, Brains, and Behaviour: The Science of Addiction . National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/addiction-science/drugs-brain-behavior-science-of- addiction

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