Stigma in substance use and addictive behaviours

People with a disorder of substance use or addictive behaviour often experience stigma and discrimination because these disorders or behaviours are often misperceived as a personal choice for which the individual is blameworthy. Institutions stigmatise people through policies, rules and practices that limit access and opportunities. Public and individual attitudes and stereotyping drive people to see themselves as less worthy or shamefulCorrigan, 2009.

The experience of stigma and consequent reduced access to health care are both associated with chronic ill healthAhern, 2007. Barriers deter disclosure of concerns, prevent people from seeking treatment and decrease adherence to treatmentCrapanzano, 2019Rocque, 2015. This can lead to poorer outcomes, including lower quality of lifeEarnshaw, 2012.

To counter this stigma, it is important for clinicians to consider their own assumptions and how unconscious judgements might be enacted through language and actions that adversely impact care.