“Why We Shouldn’t Label Drug Abusers.”
Drug Treatment
I was not surprised to read the conclusion of a study reported in the British newspaper, The Guardian, that calling drug users “junkies” or “addicts” can keep them from seeking drug treatment. People care what people think about them. They’re worried that if family, friends or colleagues find out their drug abuse, they’ll be ostracized.
Of course, their fear, justified or not, only serves to make matters worse. The longer one abuses illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, meth or even prescription drugs such as anti-depressants, the harder it is for them to confront and handle their drug addiction.
Labeling a person rarely benefits them. And according to this study, with drug abusers it can harm them. We must do whatever we can to remove the social stigma of getting drug treatment.
Referring to problem drug users as “junkies” or “addicts” can interfere with their recovery, according to a review of research on stigma and drug use, the Guardian reported Aug. 24.
The report was the first in a series of four planned reports to be published by Britain’s UK Drugs Policy Commission (UKDPC).
“Some have argued that the stigma attached to problem drug users prevents others from taking drugs by example and that the shame of stigma pushes users into treatment. However, attempts to scare young people away from drug use have not proved effective,” wrote author Charlie Lloyd of the University of York in the report. “The evidence reviewed here suggests that stigma keeps users away from treatment.”