We all have our fair share of problems in our daily lives. Problems that result in some form of a coping mechanism, whether it be deemed 'bad' or 'good.' As a society, we tend to harshly criticize the one's whose coping methods are not traditional ones. Especially those who are addicted to substances. We forget that they are human beings with emotions and struggles just like us.
Imagine someone you know coming to you and breaking the news that they have a bad physical illness. You offer your words of support, condolences, and to help them in any possible way that you can. You spend the next few months helping them walk through this change of life and don't think anything of it. What about if find out that someone you know, or know of, suffers from a drug addiction. Negative stereotypes and thoughts start to circle your mind. For many people, it is a very hard concept to understand. Why would anyone turn to drugs? There are so many different types of things to deal with one's own inner problems. But that is the thing, addiction is a serious disease that is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). If this is an addictive disorder, then why is there such a negative stigma towards the ones who suffer from it?
One of the biggest reasons it is not seen as something someone suffers from is because seen as a habit. A habit is something we pick up and eventually start making a regular thing of. Such as, biting our nails or chewing the insides of our cheeks when we aren't realizing it. An addiction is more than that. While habits are hard to break, they usually do not end in withdraws or needing some sort of addiction treatment. That is the case for most addicts. It is this stigma that makes seeking help a difficult thing to do. It is like comparing weening yourself from sucking your thumb to trying to get through the painful withdraws of alcohol addiction, heroin, prescription pain medication, or any other addictive substance. The frustration of trying to make it seem that much easier when in reality, it's tough. Another awful stigma about addicts is that they rob and steal to support their habit. While in some cases this may be true, we can't apply one stereotype to a massive group of people.With so many harmful stereotypes it makes people who need help, feel like they're undeserving of anything of the sort. This causes seclusion and low self-esteem. If someone does not feel worthy of help, they won't seek it. They will continue to suffer in silence.
These are the people in our community, possibly even our loved ones. Everyone deserves some type of support. If you know someone who is suffering from any of the sort, try to see it in their point of view. We turn to things in times of dire need. Whether it is a stressor in our life or a dependency that gets out of hand. Substance abuse affects us all as a society. We need to be more understanding and give a helping hand to those who need the emotional support to get through a rough patch in their lives. We don't need to jump to the conclusion that someone who has a substance abuse problem is a menace to society. They are people. We have to reach beyond the stigma.
If you, or someone you know, suffers from a substance abuse addiction, reach out to either Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
