“To be stigmatized is to be held in contempt, shunned or rendered socially invisible.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16756399/
We all know that drug addiction can affect anyone. Most of us have known someone who has struggled with this disease. Too many of us have lost a child, parent, sibling, or friend to overdose or drug-related suicide.
Science shows that addiction is a complex brain disease. However, some people still think of it as a moral failure or weakness. This old way of thinking leads to stigmatizing drug users. Stigma and shame make things worse. It drives people underground and makes it harder to reach them with life-saving treatment and support.
As a community, we can change the way we think about and treat addiction.
We can prevent overdoses and help people. As long as we remember that addiction is a disease and drug users are human beings who deserve our love and compassion.
“When people with addiction are stigmatized and rejected, it only contributes to the vicious cycle that entrenches their disease.”
www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2020/04/addressing-stigma-surrounds-addiction
“When internalized, stigma and the painful isolation it produces encourage further drug taking, directly exacerbating the disease.”
HCPH Overdose Rescue
This app is provided by Hamilton County Public Health to assist in an opioid related overdose emergency. In any medical emergency including overdoses, always call 911.
This app includes step by step directions on how to:
Inside the app there are also resources and education on opioid overdoses as well as information on how to obtain Narcan.
Hamilton County Public Health
This interactive app has been developed to help improve communication with Hamilton County Residents. Current features include COVID-19 and substance use resources. New features and divisions will be added regularly. This app is not intended to be used to report health violations, communicable diseases, or emergency situations. Please call 911 in an emergency.
Hamilton County Public Health is working to prevent and treat addition, reduce overdoses, and protect the public. For more information and resources visit:
Hamilton County Public Health Harm Reduction Program
https://www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/harm-reduction/
Hamilton County Addition Response Coalition
https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/open_hamilton_county/projects/addiction_response_coalition
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
https://www.drugabuse.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
https://www.samhsa.gov
Beat the Stigma
https://beatthestigma.org/
“People who experience stigma regarding their drug use are less likely to seek treatment.”
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