It is necessary to break the stigma of addiction. At a social level, substance use disorders are still viewed as a vice caused by lack of willpower. However, addiction is a disease, and those who suffer from it are patients who need help to leave behind the consumption of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, or any other drug. Substance addictions are more stigmatized than behavioral addictions, that is, those that do not involve substances but rather dependence on a behavior.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines addiction as <<a physical and psycho-emotional disease that creates dependence or need toward a substance, activity, or relationship. It is characterized by a set of signs and symptoms involving biological, genetic, psychological, and social factors >>. Therefore, addiction is indeed recognized and treated professionally for what it is: a disease. The problem is at the social level, where it is still perceived today as a vice that can be controlled.
At CCAdicciones, we know firsthand from our extensive professional experience what the disease is, the difficulties faced by addicts and their immediate environment… and most importantly, we know how to treat it, which is why we offer different detoxification treatments.
Breaking the Stigma of Addiction
Multiple prejudices exist around addiction that end up stigmatizing people who suffer from it. Having an addiction is a very complex situation because the person must face truly complicated circumstances in addition to enduring all the negative effects triggered by addiction.
Addiction is one of the few diseases where the patient is still blamed, even though there is medical knowledge that affirms and confirms its status as a disease. There are biological factors, genetic predisposition and vulnerability, behavioral or social factors that lead to the onset of addiction. With drug use, the brain becomes altered—its structure and functioning—and the user is unable to control their actions. They cannot stop using, no matter how much they want to.
It continues to be linked with a vice, a moral weakness, a choice made by those who use… these are elements so repeated and internalized that sometimes even addicts themselves do not identify as patients.
Socially, they are also rejected out of fear of their behavior. The elements presented are further proof that there is still a lack of knowledge related to drug dependence needed to break the stigma of addiction.
What Does the Stigmatization of Addictions Cause?
Stigmatizing substance addictions only has negative consequences, especially for the addict themselves but also for their family members, friends, and/or partner. Ultimately, addiction is a multidisciplinary disease that will end up affecting the environment. Although work is being done on this, it is very important to continue with awareness-raising and education about the risks caused by addictions and, of course, to debunk the stereotypes that continue to link addiction with a vice. Some of the problems caused by the stigmatization of addictions are the following:
- It delays seeking help. If addiction is stigmatized by society, it causes the person suffering from it to try to hide their drug use. It delays recognizing the disease and telling others out of fear, shame, fear of being judged… therefore, it hinders access to detoxification treatment, which will worsen the disease, since the more time passes, the stronger the addiction will become. Identifying addiction in an early stage will facilitate the recovery process.
- It complicates the detoxification process. If the person does not feel the support of their loved ones, family members, friends, etc., it will be even more difficult for them to undergo treatment. It has been proven that if an addict has the support of their environment, they will be more motivated and the detoxification will be a little easier.
- Discrimination and social rejection. Marginalizing an addict from the system is not the solution. Isolating them has consequences for the sick person because it can cause them to relapse into their addiction and cause or increase a mental health problem.
- Difficulties accessing the job market. A person recovered from addiction may encounter difficulties finding work. Thus, they not only suffer the stigma when using. After going through an entire recovery process and being recovered, they continue to endure the stigma of addiction.
Detoxification Treatments
To overcome an addiction, it is necessary to consult professionals who are experts in this disease and begin a detoxification treatment. CCAdicciones is a detoxification center located in Roda de Berà where it is possible to be admitted and begin a recovery process to stop using and achieve a healthy life free from addiction.
It offers all types of treatments, for substance and non-substance addictions. It has its own method. It is a toxin-free treatment designed for people who need to detoxify or break the habit of harmful substances in the short or medium term, regardless of whether they are in the abuse or dependence phase. It also has a team of professionals, made up of different profiles to cover all aspects of addiction. For example, therapists, monitors, a nursing team, doctors, psychiatrists… The results obtained are very positive. An 86% recovery rate, much higher than the average of other treatments and methods.
At CCAdicciones, we treat addiction without stigmatizing it. If you have a substance use disorder or believe someone around you has an addiction, do not hesitate to contact us. If you decide to take a step forward and be admitted to one of our detoxification centers, you will be treated by professionals who deeply understand the disease. For us, our priority is always the patients. We are always available for whatever you need, regardless of the day or time. You can call us at our 24/7 phone number: 617 200 882.
