Study: Stigma of addiction persists, change necessary
Americans judge drug addicts far more harshly than they do the mentally ill, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In contrast, Fairwinds Treatment Center's addiction experts believe that substance abuse and mental illness are often inextricably intertwined. That's why we use our unique dual diagnosis methodology, combining clinical treatment and therapeutic counseling to achieve optimal results. Unfortunately, many members of the public do not realize the close connection between addiction and underlying psychological, mental and emotional issues.
The journal Psychiatric Services recently published the results of the Johns Hopkins survey: Overall, participants say that they have more negative perceptions of people battling addiction compared to those struggling with mental illness. Many respondents say they are also opposed to public policies designed to help and support addiction sufferers. Study leader Colleen Barry says that her team's findings reveal an urgent need to change public attitudes toward addiction treatment.
"While drug addiction and mental illness are both chronic, treatable health conditions, the American public is more likely to think of addiction as a moral failing than a medical condition," Barry says in a press release. "In recent years, it has become more socially acceptable to talk publicly about one's struggles with mental illness. But with addiction, the feeling is that the addict is a bad or weak person, especially because much drug use is illegal."
Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef founded Fairwinds 25 years ago on the premise that drug addiction is a condition that is almost always accompanied by unmanaged psychological, mental and/or emotional issues. Since 1989, Dr. El-Yousef has been using his dual diagnosis method to help countless patients achieve healing and lasting wellness. If you or your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, know that there is no better place to work toward recovery than Fairwinds, one of the best drug addiction treatment centers in the world. Contact us to learn more.
