Stigma

[garstang]

Glad to see the UKDPC's report on stigma and I'm sure many here would like to read:
http://www.ukdpc.org.uk/resources/Stigma_report_media_release_24-08-2010.pdf
However, it was sad to listen to Dierdre Boyd from the Addiction Recovery Project keep rattling on about rehab and abstinence when discussing the report with Colin Blakemore from the UKDPC on the Today programme yesterday. I get the inkling that she quite agrees that drug users should be stigmatised as that may mean it will be an incentive to quit. My own experience is that I've self stigmatised for years, constantly compartmentalising parts of my life, not letting people in etc. When I first tried rehab in 2008 I was working and I felt that I couldn't tell my boss that I needed a few months off as a result of opiate dependancy. I got so stressed out that I started using more and using benzo's and I eventually got myself sacked as a result. And I still find it hard. I'm currently doing voluntary work for a major drug related organisation who are really good in the way they frame drug use/dependancy and I still find it hard telling them that I'm on a script. I'm also at a loss on how to account for my time out of work at job interviews, I feel that I should tell a prospective employer as then they'll be able to accomodate the fact that I have to pick up a script but also I don't want to tell them as I'm never sure what they'll think. Anyway, the UKDPC are looking for particpants so get in touch with them and see if you can help!
G.

[garstang]

Just had an email exchange with DB at Addiction Today who does believe that it's a good thing to stigmatise drug users as it may motivate them to stop using and seek treatment. Any comments?

[wastedyouth]

That to me seems like a contradiction, stigmatise someone and they will seek help, also have to deal with the stigma which comes with that, is that just supposed to be an unfortuate downfall.  To stigmatise someone normally lowers their self esteam causing the cycle of self destruction to continue.  For that e-mail to come from addaction i find really sad they are supposed to help not to continue to stigmatise people let alone make other normal people in the street  think they may be doing us poor addicts a favour.

If only every addiction had the same stigma as heroin/methadone, im sure they wouldn't say that at their fag break(i dont even smoke, should i stigmatise them when i see them on the way into there building). Im a bit more open minded than that, but surely it would have them reaching for a nicoret patch, NO!

[Jules]

WY, just to clarify, Garstang was talking about Addiction Today not Addaction...just so there's no confusion 

[wastedyouth]

You'd think i would have learned by now to read and re read a post with the amount of wrong end of sticks iv'e got, but same still applys to addiction today(maybe it's the equivalent of addaction in Scotland) sorry Addaction naughty addiction today!!

Thanks Jules, iv'e heard Addaction arent really good to get on the wrong side of(never know when i might need them eh!)