The problem of stigmatisation of people with addictions
Addictive disorders are highly stigmatised, and this stigmatisation has come more into focus in recent years. The stigma of substance addiction has long been scientifically neglected.
There are generally many incorrect stereotypes about people with addictions. However, there are also many situations in which they are true. For example, violence and alcohol intoxication are often closely linked. Even though, of course, not all people with an alcohol problem are violent. Substance dependence and consumption are often problematic, especially if you lose control and disregard social norms. Trivialising consumption and the resulting health and social problems cannot be a credible anti-stigma strategy.
When people are ostracised because of their addictions, this can be understood as a social stigma that addictive behaviour is not tolerated. The exclusion has a kind of educational purpose here; people with addiction problems are treated badly so that they feel the need to change their behaviour. Addiction problems cannot be solved by stigmatisation. Ostracising people with addiction problems is not a solution for them and can actually exacerbate the problems.
How can the stigma of addiction be reduced?
Destigmatisation can only work if a better, alternative way of dealing with addiction is demonstrated. This means help instead of marginalisation and empowerment instead of devaluation. Improvements in the help system play an important role. It is strongly criticised here that people are ‘labelled’ and discriminated against by a diagnosis, and that this sticks with them for the rest of their lives. For example, a former alcoholic has to struggle with stigmatisation even after 10 years of abstinence. Diagnoses should not stick to people for life but should only accompany them for as long as they are useful to them.
As long as people with addiction feel badly treated in this way, they will understandably avoid professional help if at all possible. Therefore, it is required that every training programme in the field of health and social sciences includes an ‘anti-stigma competence’ part. In order to promote an appropriate therapeutic attitude towards people with addictions at an early stage. It must be taught here that marginalisation and belittlement achieve the exact opposite of what is actually intended.
As long as people with addiction feel badly treated in this way, they will understandably avoid professional help if at all possible. For this reason, every training programme in the field of health and social sciences should include an “anti-stigma competence” component. In order to promote an appropriate therapeutic attitude towards people with addictions at an early stage. It must be communicated that marginalisation and belittlement achieve the exact opposite of what is actually intended.
“Anti-stigma competence”: a necessary step towards a more humane society
In my view, ‘anti-stigma competence’ is very important for all people as a basis for dealing with each other and can have a great impact. People with addictions do not only have contact with people in the social and health sciences. Both the shop assistant in the kiosk who sells the addict the bottle of vodka, for example, and the ordinary citizen who walks past him while he takes a sip from it. Everyone should get an understanding and an insight into ‘the other side’, that of the addict. To show people how it feels for this person to be marginalised and sometimes treated and looked at inhumanely. We are all human beings, and everyone has their own individual story.
No one has the right to pass judgement on the life of an addict if they are not aware of the person's background. Nevertheless, we are shaped by our experiences and have an image of the world through our childhood, among other things. Addiction may or may not have played a role in our world view and family experiences. It is therefore in the nature of things that people react individually to addicts.
The special added value of the “RECOVER” project
The ‘Recover’ project has a broad target group. This includes teachers, institutions with recovery programmes, those affected themselves who need and seek help in their recovery process, community organisations such as self-help groups, the general public and many more.
Inclusivity and diversity are key components of the project. For this reason, particular attention is paid to taking into account the individual needs of all people. Targeted professional training is provided to improve the skills of carers in dealing with those affected and to reflect on their own behaviour. The general support system is strengthened and access to helpful resources and materials for successful recovery is expanded. The aim is to reduce the relapse rate.
The project builds a network of different actors that contributes to a supportive environment for adults in recovery.
By bringing together people from different areas who are pursuing the same overall goal, important challenges can be tackled and positive changes created. This project has a strong added value and will make the world a little (big) bit better!
I agree with the post's viewpoint that stigma only worsens the problem, pushing individuals away from seeking help. The idea of "anti-stigma competence" is crucial, as it encourages empathy and understanding across all social sectors.