Understanding and overcoming the stigma of substance use disorders

Translated title of the contribution: Das Stigma von Suchterkrankungen verstehen und uberwinden

Georg Schomerus, Alexandra Bauch, Bernice Elger, Sara Evans-Lacko, Ulrich Frischknecht, Harald Klingemann, Ludwig Kraus, Regina Kostrzewa, Jakob Rheinländer, Christina Rummel, Wiebke Schneider, Sven Speerforck, Susanne Stolzenburg, Elke Sylvester, Michael Tremmel, Irmgard Vogt, Laura Williamson, Annemarie Heberlein, Hans Jurgen Rumpf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stigma does harm to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), and it increases the burden of SUDs. It presents a barrier to help seeking, results in lower treatment quality and increases social and health related consequences of SUDs. This applies to both the individual, societal and economic consequences of substance use. Moreover, stigmatizing persons with addictions is an ethical problem, since it discriminates against a certain group and infringes on their human dignity. Dealing with substance use disorders without stigma is possible. Eliminating the stigma of SUDs means fi nding better ways to deal with SUDs and to make these ways available to everyone. Instead of devaluing, marginalizing and disciplining persons with SUD, empowerment and appreciation need to be at the core of dealing with SUD in prevention, treatment and every day life.

Translated title of the contributionDas Stigma von Suchterkrankungen verstehen und uberwinden
Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)253-259
Number of pages7
JournalSucht
Volume63
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Addiction
  • Discrimination
  • Stigma
  • Substance use disorders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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