Report highlights extent of stigma that drug addicts face

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by Change | 25 Aug 2010

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A new report has highlighted the extent of the stigma attached to those struggling to cope with a drug addiction.

Individuals in need of drug addiction support can be profoundly affected by the stigma attached to being a substance abuser.

This is according to findings from The Stigmatisation of Problem Drug Users, a new report from the UK Drug Policy Commission, which revealed that these stigmas can lead to feelings of worthlessness and a lack of contact with non-drug addicts.

It went on to highlight that, despite the success rates, many requiring drug addiction intervention are prevented from receiving treatment in fear of being rejected by their family or friends.

"Some users feel that the very act of seeking treatment serves to cement an 'addict' or 'junkie' identity," the report stated.

"Users in methadone maintenance treatment can feel particularly stigmatised in comparison to other treatment types."

The report also revealed some unfavourable attitudes among the public towards drug users, with many regarding addicts as "dangerous, deceitful, unreliable" and "unpredictable".

According to the National Institute of drug abuse in the US, stigma is also the reason why some doctors refuse to treat drug addicts.

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