Many people are nervous about going to treatment and getting help because they feel that those around them will negatively judge them. This is what is known as the stigma of sobriety. The fact of the matter is that this stigma lives more in people’s heads than it does in reality. This is especially true in recent years, where sobriety has become more accepted and more the norm.
Better Understanding Addiction
Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. This is true both in the U.S. and around the world. These are people who never thought they would end up in this situation when they took their first drink or drug. This is because addiction is cunning, baffling, and powerful, and it does not discriminate who it will affect.
Many people are also confused when it comes to what addiction is. People think of addiction as some moral failing or “choice.” This is “the stigma of addiction,” and it is a fallacy. The reality is that addiction is a disease. In fact, it has more in common with other chronic addictions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes than it does with a “choice.” This is because, like these chronic diseases, without professional help, addiction will almost always get worse.
Addiction is also a “family disease.” This means that addiction often affects everyone it comes into contact with, not just the person who is struggling. This is why addiction is often referred to as “a storm that overtakes everyone and everything that it comes into contact with.” However, there is some positive news when it comes to being a loved one of an individual struggling with an addiction – they are often the only ones that get them to see that they need help. But to do this, they must be able to see the signs and symptoms of the disease.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of addiction. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Not being able to stop drinking and using once started
- Loss of appetite (or excessive appetite) and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Impaired judgment
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, as previously mentioned, people often minimize addiction or even falsely categorize it as a “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. It can also help individuals navigate the stigma of sobriety.
Understanding the Stigma of Sobriety
The stigma of sobriety often arises out of ignorance or insecurity. People who don’t know the dangers of addiction often glorify the use of alcohol and substances. If they knew the truth about the pain and suffering that addiction causes, they would be less likely to play into the stigma of sobriety.
Social media and popular culture have also long contributed to the stigma of sobriety. For many years, influencers and celebrities have glorified the use of alcohol and substances without concern for the consequences of their actions and stances. The good news is that this trend is shifting significantly.
Getting Past the Stigma of Sobriety
The current trend of popular culture has leaned more toward “sober-supportive” and “sober-understanding.” This has helped millions of people (especially young people) better understand and support sobriety.
It is also important to keep one’s sobriety the most important part of one’s life. When this happens, even stigma cannot impede one’s sober path.
Working with other sober people is also a great way to get past the stigma of sobriety. Feeling supported and seen makes one much less likely to feel stigmatized.
Getting Past the Stigma of Sobriety With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we educate all of our clients on the stigma of sobriety and addiction. This education helps our clients progress and connect with the lives that they have always wanted to have.
It is important to remember that recovery is about the journey, never the destination. There may be no better place to start that journey than with us at Lantana Recovery. Hope is out there. We can help.
Many people worry that they will be judged for being sober. It is important to understand the social stigmas that still surround the choice to “be sober” so they can be overcome socially. The good news is that there is significant evidence that this is already beginning to happen. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about addiction and the stigma of being sober, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
