For Release
Stigma & Addiction, Prevention & Recovery
As our campaign continues, the awareness of topics such as stigma, addiction, prevention, and recovery will be covered to shed light on the prevalent illness within our society which includes our communities. The disease of addiction is not about a matter of will exerted by a person to refrain from substance use.
As stated by the American Psychiatric Association, “substance use disorder is a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of substances despite harmful consequences.” The will to stop using alcohol and/or drugs has been surpassed by the alteration of normal executive functioning in the brain. For many who suffer, the decision to use is no longer a choice.
Stigma is defined as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” This barrier creates powerfully negative effects both on those who experience substance use disorder as well as their families. The results of stigma include shame, guilt, and isolation which further complicates the illness to keep a person reluctant from seeking help from practitioners, counselors, friends, and family members. Every person is just that—a person—deserving of love and respect from our fellow travelers as each one of us does the best we can with what we have been given.
Individuals who have the chance to expereince the path of recovery begin a process of change which improves their health and wellness to live a self-directed life and equips them to reach their full potential. The journey of recovery is divergent for anyone who trudges the mountains and valleys on their way to a state of sound health, mind, and spirit, but, We Can & Do Recover.
Prevention of substance use begins with open and honest conversations within the family and outside the family to assess and implement a foundation of protective factors for the youth and their parents. Some protective factors include parent engagement, family support, and school connectedness. Education in the field of substance use and recovery allows for the alleviation of fears which permits questions to be asked and answered without judgement or false beliefs. Prevention starts with communication.
HOUR HOUSE ROSC
Serving Coles, Clark/Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar,
Effingham, and Shelby/Moultrie
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