The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance. – Socrates
Have you felt the stigma of addiction?
When I first started writing this blog, I wanted to be anonymous and hide behind some generic description of my purpose. As time went on and I learned more about blogging, I began to reveal more of myself.
I revealed my first and last name. I added a picture of myself. I wrote posts about my family’s story. I then, began to tell others that I was online with my story.
This is went the stigma hit me.
It reminded of a record when the music screeches to a stop.
Would you be comfortable putting your story online?
My family and close friends all know my story, but it’s when I feel the need to reveal my past to a new friend or acquaintance that it becomes difficult and I feel discomfort.
For me, this is still the tough part of going public. The thought goes through my mind; What will they think of me? Will they think I am a bad parent?
I’m still working on getting past my feelings about the stigma of addiction. It’s been an evolving process that most likely will continue in some degree throughout my life.
Have you felt supported throughout your addiction journey?
I remind myself to pay close attention to the words of those who have experienced this disease first hand:
- When we choose a healthy lifestyle for ourselves, we influence those around us by our example.
- When we remember to let go of trying to control others, we allow them to be responsible for their own lives.
- Living a better life means making better choices.
I know writing this blog is where I belong because my heart is in it and there is something inside that is driving me forward. I love coming up with new posts and connecting with so many people online, especially my wonderful readers like you. I have made the right choice in going public with my story.
How has the stigma of addiction held you back?
Let’s think for a moment about the stigma of addiction and how it is holding all of us back. There is the social and legal discrimination against people with addictions because of the stigma.
Many people just don’t think of it as a disease, but still consider it a character flaw or weakness without a cure. This explains why addicts and their families hide the disease.
Although understanding a disease that you have not experienced can be difficult, it’s important to try, and break the stereotypes. Medical research has revealed that addiction is a physical, chronic disease much like diabetes or high blood pressure.
You wouldn’t dream of judging someone with one of those medical conditions. When people stop thinking about addiction as a character flaw, more people will be able to get help.
When you are a victim of a stigma, you may begin to internalize the hate, which then changes to feeling the emotion of shame.
Here are ways to rise above the stigma of addiction.
- Let go of the fear, and whenever possible reveal your true self.
- Find your strength and know that you can do something about addiction.
- Become visible in your stand on recovery, or any other cause that you support.
- Let go of living your life to meet the expectations of others.
- Be proactive regarding the reality that addiction is a disease, not a character weakness.
- Be an advocate for an individual or family with an addiction problem.
- Love yourself first, so that you can pass that love on freely to others.
Addiction is the invisible disease.
It is understandable when your job is on the line, that you need to be careful about revealing your past. That being said, consider that addiction will only come to the forefront of concern when we stand up and say that we have had enough of watching too many lives destroyed by this disease.
In whatever way you can, let your voice be heard.
You will be free when you choose to be authentic and be true to who you really are.
Be Well.
If you enjoyed this post share it on Facebook, or give it a tweet. I would love to hear your comment on the stigma of addiction.
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On the contrary, it shows confidence when you can talk about your past experiences, however harsh they may be. Your blog is doing a good service by helping those who may now be going through similar struggles. I don’t think you have anything to be ashamed of! It may be a little rough to write about something that is so personal, but that’s a necessary pain for the benefits that can come out of your writings. Stay strong!
Hi Steven, thanks for your words of support! I do feel that writing the blog has done so much for me personally. It has given me a purpose and a way to spread awareness about a cause I feel deeply about. Appreciate you stopping by Treatment Talk!
I never had thought about the stigma when you are writing your blog. I agree with your point that it hurts our kids when they have to feel so bad about using drugs even after they are clean. It is with them forever.
The stigma can be difficult to overcome, but as we spread the awareness of the disease of addiction and possibilities of recovery, my hope is that it will be less of an issue.
Beautiful and so true. Brava!!! Only when we take addiction out of the darkness and into the light can we hope to heal. My love and thanks to you. Keep going!
I agree that addiction needs to be visible. Thanks for your comment!
I feel really strongly that unless we start talking openly about addiction and its effects we always will have stigma and discrimination. Dont even get me started on bereaved through addiction and that particular stigma!!
Hi Amanda, I completely agree with you that we need to talk openly about addiction. It would be wonderful if those in recovery were out of the closet. I do understand the concerns that some may have about that and how it might jeopardize their career, but to protect our kids from starting down the road to substance abuse and addiction, we need to make a change. Thanks so much for your comment.
Cathy,
Your blog does such a wonderful job of shining a light on addiction, whether one’s own or that of a family member. I haven’t written about this before, but my younger brother was a drug addict. He died years ago of an overdose. My poor parents had no idea how to cope with his addiction other than to be bewildered and ashamed.
As a teen-ager, I sensed that I had to be the good one, and I was was. I got good grades, didn’t get into trouble, and finished college. Then I distanced myself figuratively and literally by spending much of my adult life thousands of miles away from the rest of my family. So I deeply appreciate the work you are doing here and on social media.
One small point: As a person with type 2 diabetes caused by gestational diabetes (two babies each over 9 pounds), I see a lot of blaming in the media and on internet forums. A sense that people with diabetes have only themselves to blame. Not true, not helpful!
Madeleine | Age Myths recently posted..Why it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine & why you should
Hi Madeleine,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. This is the toll that addiction takes on so many families. The stigma is still apparent, but years ago, it was even worse. Families, especially parents are devastated when their children abuse drugs or alcohol and become addicted. Not only do they feel responsible, but they also have to feel the shame of the disease from others..
I do hope that the information from my site as well as other sites will help educate us all on the disease so that we have more compassion for those struggling, and can provide effective support. Take care and thank you for your kind words.
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