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Chapter 1 - Understanding the Stigma of Substance Use Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2022

By
Georg Schomerus  and
Patrick W. Corrigan
Edited by
Georg Schomerus  and
Patrick William Corrigan
Georg Schomerus
Affiliation:
Universität Leipzig
Patrick William Corrigan
Affiliation:
Illinois Institute of Technology
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Summary

Substance use disorders (SUD) are among the most stigmatized mental health conditions. We explore the social function of SUD stigma, to demarcate the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and summarize how public stigma, self-stigma, and structural stigma increase harm due to SUD by delaying help-seeking, impairing treatment, criminalizing substance users, and reducing the life chances of people with SUD. We identify a continuum model of SUD, and a balanced view of social and individual responsibility, as potential areas where conceptual changes could decrease stigma. Contact-based interventions, education, and protest are strategies to overcome the stigma of SUD. Addressing the stigma of SUD will help to create a culture of hope, empowerment, and compassion, as well as high quality, stigma-free care for people with SUD.

Keywords

Continuum-modelContactEducationProtestPublic stigmaSelf-stigmaStructural stigma.
Type
Chapter
Information
The Stigma of Substance Use Disorders , pp. 1 - 14
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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