Stigma of Alcoholism: How Perceived Judgment Causes More Harm
The experience of being diagnosed with a health condition often elicits a complex range of emotions. A diagnosis may evoke fear, such as learning one has cancer, or embarrassment, as in contracting a parasitic infection while traveling abroad. Despite these feelings, individuals typically seek medical treatment, trusting that healthcare professionals will provide care and address the condition. However, this approach is not always extended to alcohol use disorder. Rather than seeking help, many individuals conceal their condition, driven by feelings of shame or guilt.
This reaction reflects the pervasive impact of stigma, which is particularly pronounced for individuals living with alcohol use disorder. Research indicates that between 20% and 51% of healthcare professionals hold negative attitudes or beliefs toward individuals with substance use disorders. These stigmatizing perceptions can create significant barriers to treatment, deterring many from pursuing the care they need.
At Alta Mira, we strive to provide a compassionate and stigma-free environment for those seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. This article examines alcoholism stigma and its detrimental effects on the recovery process, emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma to facilitate access to care.
Alcoholism and Stigma: Breaking Down the Stereotypes
Alcoholism, more commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), has long been entangled with enduring stereotypes. Research indicates that individuals living with AUD are perceived as not fully acknowledged as having a legitimate mental health condition. They are frequently subjected to heightened personal blame for their condition and are more likely to face social and emotional alienation. Compared to other mental health conditions, AUD amplifies susceptibility to structural discrimination.
The use of stigmatizing language significantly impacts individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), deterring them from seeking treatment, influencing the quality of care they receive, and diminishing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Terms such as “alcoholic,” “alcoholism,” “alcohol abuse,” and “addict” perpetuate stigma and reinforce negative perceptions. A study examining publications in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) and PubMed Central (PMC) found that in 2020, 40% of articles contained stigmatizing language, with 30% specifically employing the term “alcoholic” in a harmful manner. These findings underscore the critical need for research literature to adopt more considerate and precise language, recognizing its profound influence on treatment access, quality, and effectiveness.
The Dangers of Alcoholism Stigma: Why It Hurts More Than You Think
Stigma is a set of negative opinions and beliefs surrounding a person’s circumstance, behavior, or quality. It stems from perceived thoughts that society has fostered. The stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder discourages individuals from seeking timely treatment, perpetuating cycles of harm. Without intervention, prolonged alcohol use results in widespread physical damage. Stigma creates numerous psychological and social barriers to treatment, fostering feelings of shame, fear, and isolation. The following discussion delves into how stigma contributes to these negative outcomes and creates barriers to accessing care.
Why Recognizing Alcohol Dependence Can Be Hard
Alcohol use disorder is not always easy to identify in a loved one, particularly when they are considered high-functioning. In such cases, their alcohol consumption may appear not to interfere with their daily responsibilities, such as maintaining employment or fulfilling family obligations. Partners and friends may notice warning signs that alcohol is becoming problematic, but these concerns are often dismissed by the individual, who justifies their behavior by pointing to their continued productivity. Despite this outward functionality, the mental and physical toll of excessive alcohol consumption accumulates over time, and without intervention, AUD inevitably progresses, impacting all facets of their well-being.
Fear of Barriers When Seeking Help for Alcoholism
Fear is a large driver behind avoiding seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. One study showcased how those with alcohol-related liver disease faced increased public, self, and structural stigma. The results led to failure to seek help or delays in seeking help, inferior healthcare, and negative health outcomes. All of these contribute to worsening alcohol-related liver disease, resulting in poor health outcomes.
Another concern with fearing barriers is perceived privacy from both primary care providers and specialty treatment facilities. One study surveyed over 700 at-risk drinkers about this issue. 42% responded that they felt a lack of privacy about alcohol use from their primary care provider while 45% said the same for specialty care facilities. Over 86% of responders claimed there was a stigma surrounding at-risk drinking, and with perceived privacy issues, seeking treatment is a fear that they do not want to face.
Life After Recovery: Navigating Judgment and Misunderstanding
In recovery, communication is crucial. This means navigating feelings and emotions in an open manner and being honest with those around you. This is not always simple, and many find it difficult, especially those who are new in recovery. One study utilized a Communication Privacy Management framework and in-depth, semi-structured interviews, finding that many concealed their nondrinking status as a way to better fit societal norms. The study also found that disclosing drinking status was only done so where the benefit outweighed the negative consequences, such as to help others with their recovery and to build relationships further. This shows the fear of stigma and judgment felt by those recovering from alcohol use disorder.
The Risk of Return to Use and Fear of Perceived Failure
Alcohol use disorder consists of behavior patterns that surround how and why the person is drinking. Many find themselves using alcohol as a way to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Therefore, the fear of returning to use after finding recovery is prevalent.
One study highlighted how a return to use happens and how to properly handle the situation moving forward. A return to alcohol use may occur at any time – whether the person has stopped drinking for a few days or a few years. One study found that on average, two-thirds of those treated for an alcohol use disorder return to use within six months after treatment. Specific factors, including cigarette smoking and anhedonic depression symptoms, were analyzed as precursors to possible returning to alcohol use. 69% of participants who had one or both of these factors returned to use within six months after treatment, signifying the importance of addressing co-occurring conditions alongside alcohol use disorder.
To better understand why a return to use happens, knowledge is needed on how to implement behavioral changes. The same study recommended viewing the change of no longer drinking as stages. These include pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Pre-contemplation is the initial interest in making the change, contemplation is deciding on the change, preparation is planning to commit to the change, action is the implementation of the change, and maintenance is maintaining the change over time until the behavior is altered. By handling alcohol use disorder in this manner of stages, the risk of failure decreases, improving recovery outcomes.
Challenging Alcoholism Stigma: A Path Toward Compassion and Understanding
Moving forward, the solution to alcohol use disorder stigma is person-first language. Alcohol use disorder is a treatable mental health condition. The person is not a “problem” or an “alcoholic,” they are someone who has a condition and needs help. Though research is under-studied surrounding stigma, there is enough evidence to support that alcohol use disorder stigma hinders recovery and seeking treatment, further leading to both physical and mental health concerns.
The need for compassionate and experienced care is crucial in combating the stigma associated with alcohol use disorder. Having a care team that understands the mental aspects behind the condition and is versed in treating the whole person will improve treatment outcomes in the future.
Seeking Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in Sausalito, CA
There is no shame in seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder – you will be met with compassionate professionals to help you begin the journey of recovery. You will learn where your drinking stems from and how to cope with life’s stresses in a healthy way moving forward. Alcoholism treatment will consist of daily therapies, activities with peers, and skill-building classes, ensuring you have all the tools needed for a successful recovery. There is nothing to fear – help is available right now.
If you or someone you love is managing an alcohol use disorder, there is hope to stop today. Alta Mira combines evidence-based practices with holistic methods giving you multiple facets to recovery. No two people are the same, and your treatment path will be tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our facility offers private rooms and allows pets to come be a part of the process as well. We know how supportive furry friends can be during the recovery journey. Call us today at 866-922-1350 to learn more about our program offerings.
Alta Mira: Science-backed treatment, world-class care
Sources
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Schomerus, Georg, et al. “The Stigma of Alcohol Dependence Compared with Other Mental Disorders: A Review of Population Studies.” Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2011, https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article-abstract/46/2/105/198339?login=false. Accessed 14 11 2024.
Schomerus, Georg, et al. “The stigma of alcohol-related liver disease and its impact on healthcare.” Journal of Hepatology, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168827822002628.
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