With increasing peer pressure and negative influences in the society these days, finding your child spiralling down the wrong way might not be as rare a case. What will start as ‘just a try’ might become regular consumption of alcohol, cigarettes or drug, followed by addiction, abuse and later.. stigma!
While most parents will exert all their efforts towards getting the child out of addiction, or even prevent it in the first place, helping him handle the societal stigma is also equally important. From being called rude names to being scorned upon by others, stereotyped and discriminated, he will have many difficulties to face, in addition to the shame and guilt he might already be facing due to his addiction.
An article in TeensHealth says, “Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction doesn't end with a 6-week treatment program. It's a lifelong process. Many people find that joining a support group can help them stay clean. There are support groups specifically for teens and younger people.” This piece also says that the best way to help your child battle addiction and stigma is through understanding how difficult the recovery can be and offering your relentless support to him throughout.
However, the key to reducing the discrimination and stigma that your child will experience is through education and awareness. Flip through this ClipBook for more information.
Defining an addiction is tricky, and knowing how to handle one is even harder. Find out what you can do if you think you or a friend has a drug or alcohol addiction - from recognising the warning signs to suggestions to helping the person stay clean.
A major challenge for those who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol is facing and overcoming stigma. Stigmas are imposed by society, communities, friends and family members and can cause major discrimination and hurt. Addiction is a disease that...
The American Society of Addiction Medicine characterizes addiction as a “primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.” The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as a ‘chronic, relapsing brain dis...
Stigma is a negative attitude imposed by society on people who it judges as not ‘normal’. It is a reaction of fear, ignorance and prejudice. Unfortunately, this stigma can prevent people seeking help for alcohol and drug problems.
The word "junky" conjures such graphic images these days, some of which seem to be diametrically opposed; on the one hand, our society shuns the junky, labels him/her dysfunctional, socially inept, lazy, weak willed, a danger to society everything...
Overdosing on heroin doesn't make you a scumbag. Having a drink after 20 years of sobriety doesn't make you weak. Having an addiction is not a moral choice. In fact, it is accurate to say that having an addiction is not a choice at all.
