The stigma against people with substance use disorders is a set of negative attitudes and stereotypes that can create barriers to treatment and make these conditions worse.1 Although substance use disorders are chronic, treatable medical conditions, studies show people who have them often face stigma and discrimination in part because others do not understand these disorders or how they can be effectively treated.
Many people do not know that a substance use disorder is the result ofchanges in the brainthat make drug use compulsive (difficult or impossible to stop without adequate support).2Some people with severe substance use disorders may become aggressive, lie, or steal to support their drug problem or during withdrawal. These behaviors may alienate them even further from family, friends, and society and reinforce certain negative stereotypes around substance use.1Importantly, the compulsive behaviors and brain changes in substance use disorders are not necessarily permanent. People can and do recover, especially with the help oftreatment.3,4
There are many reasons why a person may be more susceptible to substance use disorders, including genetic and social factors that may be beyond their control.2Still, many people see addiction as a personal or moral failure.5As a result, people may feel fear and anger toward someone with a substance use disorder, even if they are a friend or family member.6For many, it can be hard to see – and help – the individual behind the illness.
