Stigma and Shame Are Interconnected
Shame contributes to low self-esteem, social isolation, and reluctance to seek help.
Brynn Knox is a Certified Peer Support Specialist who talks about her recovery and a setback.
I'll always remember it ... I wish he hadn't said that.
-Brynn, Peer Support Specialist
Stigma toward substance use and people with substance use disorder (SUD) is a major driver of the overdose and addiction crises in the United States, impacting people with SUD, their loved ones, and their communities in innumerable ways.
The impact of shame and stigma can be profound, shaping the course of one's addiction journey. Brynn's encounter with judgment led to a setback, underscoring the critical role healthcare professionals play in fostering a supportive environment. Although Brynn's story is unique and personal, shame and stigma are all too common among those with a substance use disorder.
Let’s take a closer look at shame and stigma, unraveling why these elements stand as significant barriers to seeking help for individuals grappling with addiction.
Shame and stigma are often perceived as interchangeable concepts, but in truth, they are distinctly different phenomena that are interconnected. Both involve negative attitudes and judgments based on characteristics like identity or behaviors. While interconnected, it's crucial to discern the differences.
Stigma refers to the negative stereotypes, beliefs, and attitudes held by society toward a group of people based on characteristics such as where they live, who they love, or their physical attributes, behaviors, or customs. Media and entertainment significantly influence societal perspectives, thereby shaping our individual views. For instance, people with a substance use disorder are often portrayed on television as scary, dangerous, and violent. In truth, they are often the victims of violence. These stigmatizing beliefs result in prejudice, discrimination, and social exclusion, hindering affected individuals from fully participating in society and influencing public policy, laws, and access to care.
Shame, sometimes called self-stigma, is a powerful, self-conscious emotion that arises from the perception of one's own actions, behaviors, or characteristics. Unlike stigma, which is driven by external factors and imposed by others, shame is an internalized feeling of personal inadequacy or disgrace. Think about a time when you answered a question incorrectly in front of others. When you think back on it, even if the incident was many years ago, you probably still feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. That feeling is shame. This intense negative emotion can have a significant impact on an individual's overall well-being, contributing to low self-esteem, isolation, and reluctance to seek help.
Shame and stigma share similarities but are not interchangeable. They are, however, interconnected, with stigma playing a pivotal role in fostering feelings of shame. We often internalize societal judgments. Our shame leads to a sense of inferiority. Consequently, shame and stigma reinforce and perpetuate each other. People who are stigmatized often avoid seeking help, afraid they will be judged.
When Brynn was actively using cannabis and was vulnerable to a setback, she did not receive the support and affirmation she needed. In our next blog post, we will explore the ways health professionals contribute to stigma and the impact this has on individuals seeking treatment.