This week’s guest blogger is Celina Levy, Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.  She shares her poignant insights with us about the stigma that is often associated with substance use disorder and how it affects those who struggle, their family members and friends. 

This blog will serve as the kick-off to a month-long series of blogs that will share personal stories of those who have been affected by substance use disorder.  We hope that sharing these stories will help to combat stigma, shine a light on the terrible disease of addiction, and raise awareness of what we can all do raise awareness about the dangers of opioids.

All the best, 
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ

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By Celina Levy

If only we lived in a world free of stigma and discrimination. A world where those struggling with a substance use disorder were treated with compassion and respect. Sadly, we don’t, and the stigma associated with addiction is not just hurtful. It keeps people from seeking treatment and causes profound damage to the lives of individuals living with substance use disorders, as well as their families.

Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams: “I think the biggest killer out there is stigma. Stigma keeps people in the shadows. Stigma keeps people from coming forward and asking for help.”

If we want to address stigma, we must come to understand that words do matter, that harmful stereotypes fuel and perpetuate stigma. This is particularly challenging because there are factors unique to addiction-related stigma that make it especially destructive.

Journalist Maia Szlavovitz: “Criminalization supercharges addiction stigma, and stigma is one of the biggest obstacles to recovery.” 

Decades of the “War on Drugs” and criminalization of addiction have created systemic stigma and warped public perception. The degrading and dehumanizing characterizations of those living with substance use disorders only serve to exacerbate stigma, because when you dehumanize someone, it makes it easier to discriminate against them. Which is why we must employ efforts that embrace decriminalization, harm reduction, medication assisted treatment and trauma-informed approaches, and always remember that we are talking about human beings: our mothers and fathers, our children, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

The harsh reality of addiction-related stigma was starkly illustrated some years back when the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse held a focus group discussion with 100 family members who had either lost, or were trying to support, a loved one with a substance use disorder. One question I posed to the group was, “What words do you think the public uses to describe your loved one?” First there was silence, then came a flood of anger and pain and even tears as words were shouted out in rapid succession, words that included “Junkie. Loser. Criminal. Scum. Liar. Lowlife.”

The raw emotion in the room was palpable, and while the feelings were still fresh, I asked “What words do you use to describe your loved one?” The contrast was stunning and poignant with words that included “Sensitive soul. Loving father. My beautiful boy. A smile that lights up a room.” The exercise was moving and meaningful for all present that day, and all these years later remains a powerful, clear representation of the kind of stigma we are up against, and why words do matter. 

The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse are fully committed to working with its members and collaborative partners to combat stigma. If we can imagine a world without stigma, we can play a role in creating it. Together we can break down barriers and inform and improve systems. Together we can raise awareness, educate communities, and share resources. Together we can renounce stigmatizing language and practices and change hearts and minds by having honest and sometimes tough conversations. Together we can not only combat the stigma associated with addiction, but also work to eradicate it and create a healthier future for generations to come.

Notice: This article reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). This information should not be construed as legal advice from the author or PDFNJ. Please consult your own attorney before making any legal decisions.