Reducing Stigma and Building Resilience
No matter where you are in your recovery, you matter.
What is Stigma?
Stigma is the negative feelings people may have about certain groups in society that they see as a “problem”, and also they ways that these feelings lead to harmful and discriminatory behavior. People who use drugs often tell stories of feeling stigmatized (looked down on, or treated badly) by others.
Many people have felt stigmatized during their lives. While research shows that substance use disorders are treatable illnesses, many members of the public still view substance use as a personal or moral failure.
Some people also feel stigma when they think about themselves. For example, people who feel stigma may feel ashamed to reach out to friends for support. They may feel badly about things they have done.
By telling my own story, I hope to help remove the stigma. It never should be something to hide.” Richard Dreyfuss
Why does stigma matter for recovery?
Stigma can make it hard for people to connect with others and feel confident in themselves. Research shows that feeling stigma makes it harder to stay healthy, access resources, and complete recovery programs.[1]
But recovery is for everyone and recovery is possible for people who face stigma or feel judged by their family and friends. Recovery is also possible for people who sometimes feel confused and ashamed about themselves.
[1] Livingston et. al., 2017
What is one step you can take to reduce stigma and build resilience?
One easy step you can take is to do things that help you feel good about who you are, like writing down words of affirmation. Find a sheet of paper or a notebook and write some nice things about yourself that reflect how you want to feel about yourself, for example: "I am proud of myself." It can be helpful to write these affirmations on paper and then say them out loud to yourself each day.
It might not feel genuine when you start (and you might feel a little silly talking out loud to yourself), but over time, the practice of speaking positively and kindly to yourself, and about yourself, can change the way you think about yourself.[1]
Having a good sense of your own self-worth is one really good way reducing stigma, and it can help make your recovery easier by building resilience.
No matter where you are in your recovery, you matter.
[1] During and Jessop, 2015