Many people can’t comprehend how or why people become addicted. Their perception may be that the person is lacking moral principles or willpower, that they could simply stop by choosing to do so. That perception is wrong. In 1956, the American Medical Association classified Alcoholism as a chronic disease and addiction was so designated in 1987. Chronic disease (defined as a disease or condition that usually lasts for 3 months or longer and may get worse over time) is not something anyone would choose - cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis – addiction needs to be added to that list and thinking adjusted accordingly.
Any chronic disease could be seen as a storm amid an otherwise nice day. The clinical definition of addiction according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is that of a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
Stigma is the labeling, stereotyping and discrimination of someone for a certain trait or habit they may exhibit. For people with substance use disorder (SUD), stigma can put up a virtual roadblock against their seeking help. Research indicates that stigma is persistent, pervasive and rooted in the belief that addiction is a personal choice that reflects a lack of willpower and moral failing.
In spite of an abundance of evidence proving chemical dependency is a chronic disease, stigma around SUD remains quite prevalent. Can you imagine assigning blame or disparaging someone with other chronic disease such as cancer, or diabetes, or arthritis? Changing our minds include changing our attitudes and language we use to address those who have SUD.
Check out these resources:
Say This – NOT That – Check out the “Addictionary” to help find language that helps rather than hurts in order to help destigmatize SUD!
Most Michigan counties have taken steps to provide education and build awareness of substance use disorder through coalitions of community members that include services to address the three areas of concern across Prevention, Treatment and Recovery aspects of SUD. These coalitions are made up of representatives from health organizations, law enforcement, school representatives and others interested in safer communities in which we all live. For resources across the continuum of care, click here.
The Continuum of Care for someone diagnosed with SUD usually begins with treatment to provide medical intervention, if needed, to safely rid the person from the substance being used, followed by ongoing counseling and education to retrain the brain to live without the substance. From there each person’s journey is individual and there are multiple pathways available depending on many factors, not unlike other chronic disease paths that are individually chosen. Some people who have diabetes need medication, some can control their disease with lifestyle modifications … SUD is no different, each person will have to make choices to support their new path to a healthy future. Building Recovery Capital so every community has resources to offer the recovery community is imperative.
NMORC staff offer to provide presentations for community organizations and groups to build awareness and education regarding substance use disorder (SUD). Presentations are built around community needs, some examples are Medication Safety, Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Safety training and administration. The NMORC team is also certified to provide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. MHFA is a skills-based course that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training provides skills needed to reach out and provide initial heal and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or is experiencing a crisis.