Skip to main content Accessibility help
×
Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-4rdpn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-15T17:12:58.587Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Chapter 11 - The Role of Peers in SUD Stigma Change

A Personal Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2022

Georg Schomerus
Affiliation:
Universität Leipzig
Patrick William Corrigan
Affiliation:
Illinois Institute of Technology
Get access

Summary

Using a synthesis of personal experience and references to the existing literature, this chapter explores the impact of stigmatizing attitudes and structures and outlines possible solutions. Examples are given of employment and media stigma and the challenges these pose to recovery. However, there are grounds for optimism that lived-experience peer involvement can make positive impacts across all of the domains of stigmatization, helping to tackle shame and to promote recovery. Specifically, this can be done through the introduction of hope, through advocacy and campaigning, the sharing of narratives, the integration of peers into treatment and support settings, and assertive referral to mutual aid of those seeking help. The chapter weaves a deeply personal narrative, illustrating a journey from stigmatization and shame to self-respect and dignity aided by the powerful influence of peers with lived experience of substance use disorder and recovery from it.

Type
Chapter
Information
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ashford, R. D., Brown, A. M., Canode, B., McDaniel, J., & Curtis, B. (2019). A mixed-methods exploration of the role and impact of stigma and advocacy on substance use disorder recovery. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 37(4), 462480. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347324.2019.1585216CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Avery, J. D., & Avery, J. J. (2019). The stigma of addiction: An essential guide. Springer.Google Scholar
Balasanova, A. A., MacArthur, K. R., & DeLizza, A. A. (2020). “From all walks of life”: Attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to reduce addiction stigma among medical students. Academic Psychiatry, 44(6), 714720. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-020-01302-0Google Scholar
Best, D. (2016). An unlikely hero? Challenging stigma through community engagement. Drugs and Alcohol Today, 16(1), 106116. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/DAT-09-2015-0054CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Birtel, M. D., Wood, L., & Kempa, N. J. (2017). Stigma and social support in substance abuse: Implications for mental health and well-being. Psychiatry Research, 252, 18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.01.097CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Byrne, L., Roper, C., Happell, B., & Reid-Searl, K. (2019). The stigma of identifying as having a lived experience runs before me: Challenges for lived experience roles. Journal of Mental Health, 28(3), 260266. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2016.1244715CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Byrne, L., & Wykes, T. (2020). A role for lived experience mental health leadership in the age of Covid-19. Journal of Mental Health, 29(3), 243246. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2020.1766002Google Scholar
Corrigan, P. W., Kerr, A., & Knudsen, L. (2005). The stigma of mental illness: Explanatory models and methods for change. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 11(3), 179190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appsy. 2005.07.001Google Scholar
Corrigan, P. W., Larson, J. E., & Rüsch, N. (2009). Self-stigma and the “why try” effect: Impact on life goals and evidence-based practices. World Psychiatry: Official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 8(2), 7581. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2009.tb00218.xGoogle Scholar
Corrigan, P. W., & Penn, D. L. (1999). Lessons from social psychology on discrediting psychiatric stigma. The American Psychologist, 54(9), 765776. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.54.9.765Google Scholar
Corrigan, P. W., Schomerus, G., Shuman, V., et al. (2017). Developing a research agenda for reducing the stigma of addictions, part II: Lessons from the mental health stigma literature. The American Journal on Addictions, 26(1), 6774. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12436Google Scholar
Department of Health. (2017). Clinical guidelines on drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management. Independent Expert Working Group. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/673978/clinical_guidelines_2017.pdfGoogle Scholar
Earnshaw, V. A., Bergman, B. G., & Kelly, J. F. (2019). Whether, when, and to whom?: An investigation of comfort with disclosing alcohol and other drug histories in a nationally representative sample of recovering persons. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 101, 2937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2019.03.005Google Scholar
Flanagan, E. H., Buck, T., Gamble, A., Hunter, C., Sewell, I., & Davidson, L. (2016). “Recovery speaks”: A photovoice intervention to reduce stigma among primary care providers. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 67(5), 566569. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201500049CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Penguin.Google Scholar
Kaplan, L. (2008). The role of recovery support services in recovery-oriented systems of care [White paper]. Center for Substance Abuse Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Google Scholar
Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. The Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3), Article CD012880. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2Google Scholar
Longabaugh, R., Wirtz, P. W., Zywiak, W. H., & O’Malley, S. S. (2010). Network support as a prognostic indicator of drinking outcomes: The COMBINE Study. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 71(6), 837846. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.2010.71.837Google Scholar
Maunder, R. D., & White, F. A. (2019). Intergroup contact and mental health stigma: A comparative effectiveness meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 72, Article 101749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101749CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
McCartney, D. (2011). LEAP and the recovery community in Edinburgh. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, 6(1–2), 6075. https://doi.org/10.1080/1556035X.2011.570554CrossRefGoogle Scholar
McGovern, W., Addison, M., & McGovern, R. (2021). An exploration of the psycho-social benefits of providing sponsorship and supporting others in traditional 12 step, self-help groups. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), Article 2208. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052208Google Scholar
Mead, S., Hilton, D., & Curtis, L. (2001). Peer support: A theoretical perspective. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 25(2), 134141. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0095032CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mead, S., & MacNeil, C. (2006). Peer support: What makes it unique? International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 10(2), 2937.Google Scholar
Miler, J. A., Carver, H., Foster, R., & Parkes, T. (2020). Provision of peer support at the intersection of homelessness and problem substance use services: A systematic “state of the art” review. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 641–618. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8407-4CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
PADS. (2018). Recovering Connections: Changing stigma to respect. Partnership for Action on Drugs in Scotland, Communities subgroup. www.sfad.org.uk/content/uploads/2018/05/PADS-S2R-final.pdfGoogle Scholar
Reif, S., Braude, L., Lyman, D. R., et al. (2014). Peer recovery support for individuals with substance use disorders: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 65(7), 853861. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201400047CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Richter, L., Vuolo, L., & Salmassi, M. S. (2019). Stigma and addiction treatment. In Avery, J. D. & Avery, J. J. (Eds.), The stigma of addiction: An essential guide (pp. 93130). Springer.Google Scholar
Robertson, R. (2019, July 19). Who owns the drug problem, and who is to be bold? www.holyrood.com/comment/view,who-owns-the-drug-problem-and-who-is-to-be-bold_10596.htmGoogle Scholar
Sawer, F., Davis, P., & Gleeson, K. (2019). Is shame a barrier to sobriety? A narrative analysis of those in recovery. Drugs Education, Prevention and Policy, 27(1), 7985. http://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2019.1572071Google Scholar
Singleton, N. (2011). Getting serious about stigma in Scotland: The problem with stigmatising drug users. UK Drug Policy Commission. www.ukdpc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Policy%20report%20-%20Getting%20serious%20about%20stigma%20in%20Scotland_%20the%20problem%20with%20stigmatising%20drug%20users.pdfGoogle Scholar
The Scottish Government. (2018). Rights, Respect and Recovery: Scotland’s strategy to improve health by preventing and reducing alcohol and drug use, harm and related deaths. www.gov.scot/publications/rights-respect-recovery/Google Scholar
The Scottish Government. (2019). Rights, Respect and Recovery: Action plan. www.gov.scot/publications/rights-respect-and-recovery-action-plan/Google Scholar
Van Melick, M., McCartney, D., & Best, D. (2013). Ongoing recovery support and peer networks: A preliminary investigation of recovery peer supporters and their peers. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, 8(3), 185199. https://doi.org/10.1080/1556035X.2013.785211CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wendt, D. C., Hallgren, K. A., Daley, D. C., & Donovan, D. M. (2017). Predictors and outcomes of twelve-step sponsorship of stimulant users: Secondary analyses of a multisite randomized clinical trial. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 78(2), 287295. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.2017.78.287CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
White, W. L. (2007). The new recovery advocacy movement in America. Addiction, 102(5), 696703. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.01808.xGoogle Scholar
White, W. L. (2009). Peer-based addiction recovery support: History, theory, practice, and scientific evaluation. Chicago, Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center, and Philadelphia, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.Google Scholar

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Available formats
×