Impact of Stigma

Science has proven that substance use disorders are a chronic brain disease that can be managed with medical treatment. It is NOT a moral failing or a character flaw.

But still, only 1 in 10 Americans with a substance use disorder receives treatment. Addiction is highly stigmatized, and that stigma is fueling an American public health
crisis.

Addiction is the most common cause of impairment among physicians. A 2013 study by the University of Florida reported that 10 to 15 percent of doctors developed a substance use disorder at some point in their lives.

Stigma isolates people. Stigma and shame make addiction a lonely experience. Public perceptions of people with an addiction are that they are bad, reckless, irresponsible people. Meaning, individuals with substance use disorders are less likely to come forward and seek help. They could lose family, friends, employment, or even go to jail. Instead of talking to loved ones and seeking support, someone with a substance use disorder is more likely to withdraw in order to hide the addiction.

This isolation and loneliness also ripple out to the family and friends of the person with an addiction. The shame and stigma families feel may prevent them from seeking support for themselves or help for their loved one.

Stigma discourages people from seeking treatment.
When a person with an addiction has internalized the negative stigma of the disease, it directly damages that person’s chances of recovery.

For physicians, some factors that affect identification of their use include:

• Privacy and confidentiality concerns
• Fear of losing their medical license or other practice privileges
• Concerns about losing health, life, disability and professional liability insurance
• Concerns about professional advancement
• Lack of time
• Self-treatment

If you are licensed through the North Dakota Board of Medicine or a medical student dealing with alcohol or substance use, or impairing physical, mental or emotional conditions, NDPHP is here to help you.