Addiction is a chronic disease that leads to profound changes in an individual’s physiological, psychological, and social life. However, widespread societal perceptions of addiction are often based on biases and are not rooted in scientific evidence. Dependent individuals are commonly viewed as weak-willed, morally flawed, or as people who have chosen this condition voluntarily. These kinds of approaches lead to the social exclusion of the individual and make them feel stigmatized. Stigmatization not only leads to social isolation but also creates a cycle that makes it more difficult for the individual to seek help, thus perpetuating the addiction (Cüceler, Yılmaz & Türkleş, 2022).
Definition and Types of Stigma
Stigmatization is the process by which an individual is negatively labeled, excluded, or devalued by society due to certain characteristics. Addiction-related stigma can be examined in three main categories:
- Social Stigma
This refers to the negative attitudes and behaviors that society develops toward addicted individuals. Dependent individuals are often seen as immoral, lazy, dangerous, or prone to criminal behavior. Such labeling makes it difficult for the individual to gain acceptance in society and increases the likelihood of exclusion and discrimination. As a result of social stigma, addicted individuals may struggle to find employment, be deprived of social support, and face barriers in accessing healthcare (Demirbaş, 2020). - Internalized Stigma
This refers to the process by which an individual internalizes the negative messages they receive from society, leading them to define themselves through the lens of their addiction. The stigmatizing narratives developed by society and close surroundings can weaken the addicted person’s self-esteem. Thoughts such as “I am a failure,” “I cannot recover,” or “I am worthless” are examples of internalized stigma. This process severely weakens the individual’s motivation for recovery. An addicted person who develops a negative outlook on their identity may avoid seeking support and continue using substances to cope with these negative feelings (Atlam, Çınaroğlu Asar, Sasman Kaylı, & Kırlı, 2024). - Structural Stigma
This refers to discriminatory practices embedded in social institutions such as healthcare, law, and education. For example, individuals with a history of addiction may be excluded from employment opportunities, be denied social benefits, or face poor treatment during recovery processes. Structural stigma complicates the process of recovery and hinders the individual’s ability to reintegrate into society. This situation may prevent the individual from accessing opportunities that would strengthen their social status (Hatzenbuehler, 2016).
Effects of Stigma on Addiction
Stigmatization is one of the most significant psychosocial barriers to overcoming addiction. The effects of stigma on an addicted individual can be explained as follows:
- Impediments to Help-Seeking Behavior
Addicted individuals may be reluctant to seek professional help due to societal prejudices. They may delay seeking treatment because they fear being stigmatized at treatment centers. Avoidance of treatment can lead to the worsening and chronic nature of the addiction (Deane et al., 2012; Gilchrist et al., 2012; McHugh et al., 2013; Specka et al., 2011). - Psychological Breakdown and Self-Blame
Individuals exposed to stigmatization often blame themselves for their condition. Feelings of self-blame can cause the person to feel worthless, leading to depression, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem. As a result of negative feedback from their environment, the individual may develop the belief that recovery is impossible. This can lead to the loss of hope for their life and continued substance use (Hatzenbuehler, 2016). - Social Isolation and Weakening of Support Mechanisms
Stigmatized individuals tend to withdraw from their social circles. Those who internalize the stigma may avoid relationships, even if supportive mechanisms are available, because they believe they do not deserve such support. This process leads to the individual feeling isolated and makes it harder for them to reintegrate into society. Social isolation can disrupt the individual’s recovery process. - Difficulty Accessing Health Services
Due to stigmatization, addicted individuals may distance themselves from healthcare services. They may avoid seeking treatment because they fear being mistreated by healthcare professionals who have stigmatizing attitudes (Deane et al., 2012; Gilchrist et al., 2012; McHugh et al., 2013; Specka et al., 2011). - Loss of Identity and Self-Esteem
Individuals living with addiction often feel that they are constantly struggling against society’s prejudices. This situation leads them to see themselves only as “addicts,” preventing them from developing other identities.
Intervention Areas to Reduce Stigma
To reduce stigmatization, individual awareness must be raised, and changes should be implemented at both societal and institutional levels. The key areas to address are as follows:
- Education and Social Awareness
- It should be conveyed to society that addiction is a health problem, not a matter of lack of willpower.
- Public service announcements and social media should be used to correct misconceptions about addiction.
- Anti-Stigma Education in Healthcare
- Healthcare professionals should be trained to avoid stigmatizing attitudes.
- Addicted individuals should have equal rights in the treatment process.
- Media Language and Representation
- Addicted individuals should be represented not only in times of crisis but also in their recovery processes.
- The media should use a more respectful and inclusive language rather than stigmatizing terms.
- Legal and Political Regulations
- The employment and social rights of individuals with a history of addiction should be supported.
- Laws and policies should be updated to prevent structural discrimination.
Conclusion
Stigmatization is a significant barrier that makes it harder for addicted individuals to express themselves and seek help within society. Understanding how this process affects the individual’s motivation for recovery and producing solutions is an essential step in the fight against addiction. It is possible to create a more inclusive and supportive environment through reforms at the societal, individual, and institutional levels (Yeşilay, 2023).
References
- Atlam, D., Çınaroğlu Asar, A., Sasman Kaylı, D., & Kırlı, U. (2024). Kadınlarda alkol ve madde bağımlılığında toplumsal ve kendini damgalama. Bağımlılık Dergisi, 25(3), 311–319.
- Cüceler, S., Yılmaz, M., & Türkleş, S. (2022). Madde bağımlısı bireylerin yaşadığı psikososyal sorunlar, uygulanan kanıt temelli müdahaleler ve hemşireliğin rolü. Bağımlılık Dergisi, 23(1), 105–110.
- Deane, F. P., Wootton, D. J., Hsu, C. I., & Kelly, P. J. (2012). Predicting dropout in the first 3 months of 12-step residential drug and alcohol treatment in an Australian sample. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 73(2), 216–225. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.2012.73.216
- Demirbaş, H. (2020). Madde kullanımı ve bağımlılığında kullanılan dilin önemi. Bağımlılık Dergisi, 21(2), 149–162.
- Hatzenbuehler, M. L. (2016). Structural stigma: Research evidence and implications for psychological science. The American Psychologist, 71(8), 742–751.
- Yeşilay. (2023). Bağımlı bireylere doğru yaklaşım nasıl olmalı? https://www.yesilay.org.tr/tr/makaleler/bagimli-bireylere-dogru-yaklasim-nasil-olmali