Whenever we hear of someone’s drinking or addiction problem, we like to believe that it is a choice, a way of living. What we fail to realize is that it is a medical condition, a disorder that needs as much attention to any other. Yet, there is much stigma connected to it. Let’s understand the Substance Abuse Disorder, as a medical condition.
What is it?
When you can stop, you don’t want to. When you want to, you can’t. That’s addiction.
Substance Abuse Disorder is the addiction and dependence of a person on a particular substance such that it interferes with a person’s relationships with family and friends and the ability to fulfill work, school, or family obligations and even might result in legal problems and dangerous behavior. That substance is generally alcohol or drugs, both legal and illegal.
What are the causes?
Generally, it is seen that it is associated with other mental health problems and disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and suicidal thoughts. According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Around 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse disorders as well. 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness. There are many real-life examples of this as well. Buzz Aldrin, the former astronaut and the second person to land on the moon, is one of them. He suffered severe depression after his return from the moon, when he felt lost, empty, and purposeless. This led to his dependence on alcohol. After much effort, he was able to recover. Stephen King, the famous writer, Michel Phelps, the great swimmer, Johnny Depp, and Eminem are examples of other famous people with similar stories.
Addiction begins with the thought that something physical can instantly fill up our emptiness inside.
Though mental disorders are a major cause of substance dependence. It is not always the case. It generally starts as a simple recreational activity, sometimes to avoid reality. Slowly and steadily, it becomes like a need. Soon you do not need these substances to enjoy. You just need it to feel good.
Stigma with the disorder
People in society have a negative attitude and feelings towards victims of addiction. People use derogatory terms such as “junkie,” “alcoholic,” or “crackhead” while referring to them. These thoughts, feelings, and labels can create and perpetuate stigma. To study this, Recovery Brands conducted a survey of people who use drugs and their perceived self. Some are following statements from them,
“Just because I am an addict, doesn’t make me a bad person. Deep down inside, we are wonderful, loving people.”
“Addiction is not entirety of me, I am me; I am not just my addiction. There is a lot of other stuff to love.”
“I wish people saw the time addicts spend alone. Thinking about everything they have done every time they have lied and stole.”
These statements reveal that the addicts feel that they are entirely judged by their addiction problem in society. We can say that to some extent, it is true. People are perceived as just an addict, and they are blamed for their condition. People avoid the psychological construct and compulsion behind it and expect them to leave in one day. But the truth is that they are unable to, even when they try. The recovery is rather a complex process.
This stigma also affects the treatment process. Initially, it reduces the victim’s willingness to attend treatment and access to healthcare. The social person makes him believe that he does not deserve any care. They are doomed and are designed to it. Stigma can also reduce the willingness of policy-makers to allocate resources and reduce the willingness of providers in non-specialty settings to screen for and address substance abuse problems. It is important to overcome the stigma to help those people and contribute to their welfare as a society.
Recovery
Recovery is a very tough process is such a condition. Mainly because the victim does not want to. According to Demi Lovato, “One of the hardest things about recovery was learning that I was worth saving.” Like all other disorders, it needs proper medical care. But, the efforts of family and friends are very important. The first step towards recovery is that the person believes in it. Once, this step is cleared, the process becomes comparatively easier and the goal is achievable. Always remember, you don’t get over an addiction by stopping using. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier to not to use. If you don’t create a new life, then all the factors that bought you to your addiction can catch up to you again.
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