Hannah’s Views on Addictions in the Family

There is a stigma about those who are suffering from substance use disorders. This has an effect on their recovery and how they perceive themselves, as well as how they are perceived by other members of society. Because of this stigma, they are less likely to be hired for jobs or have meaningful relationships. 

Research shows that people with alcohol or drug dependency are viewed more negatively than people with other mental illnesses. People often believe that those with addiction disorders are responsible for their own mental illness, and thus are less inclined to sympathy or understanding of the disorder.

Those who are in counseling for substance abuse issues feel shameful about their addiction. This has often proved to make treating this issues more difficult for both the counselor and patient. They are stigmatized and have “undesirable characteristics” thrust upon them and most patients are painfully aware of how many others view them.