Local Rehab Confronts Alcoholism Stigma in KY

Erlanger, KY - SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky published a blog post that discussed the stigma surrounding alcoholism. The term “alcoholism” isn’t the correct word to use as it can support stigma. Instead, opting for “a person with an alcohol use disorder” allows people to create spaces that will enable their loved ones to know they aren’t being seen as their “condition,” while promoting understanding and empathy.

“Creating a culture of judgment linked to alcoholism makes it hard for people to seek help. It can greatly impact mental health, lead to self-isolation, and perpetuate a cycle of shame. Stigma discourages open conversations about alcohol use disorder, and when it isn’t talked about, nothing can change for the better. It’s these open and honest conversations that prompt many men and women to seek help and find recovery,” the blog post states.

Stigma can prevent people from seeking treatment for an alcohol use disorder as they may believe that those around them hold prejudicial beliefs that will result in discrimination. People who experience stigma surrounding their alcohol use may be afraid to tell their friends, families, and doctors for fear they might be judged or alienated. They may also experience self-stigma and believe their alcohol use makes them shameful or lazy.

Women are most likely to experience stigma because they may feel like they need to “have it all together.” This feeling could be due to needing to raise children, keep peace at home, and handle a full-time job. They might also feel pressure that makes it difficult to leave their children behind to seek treatment, or they might have a challenging time finding acceptable child care that will allow them to seek treatment.

The words people use can seriously impact how people see themselves. Using positive, recovery-centered language can reduce stigma and encourage loved ones to seek help, foster effective communication, and promote recovery. The most significant thing to keep in mind is the use of “person-first” language. This language puts the person first and might look like “someone who is managing an alcohol use disorder” or “someone who is in treatment for an alcohol use disorder.” Also, don’t focus on someone’s behavior associated with an alcohol use disorder.

“Those managing an addiction are not ‘lazy’, ‘weak’, or ‘reckless.’ This might be the behavior caused by the condition of alcohol use disorder, but it isn’t who the person is, and it should never be how they’re referred to. This type of language perpetuates stigma and stereotypes, and it discourages people from seeking treatment. If they begin to believe there is something wrong or shameful at the core of who they are, they won’t be motivated to seek help,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs in their community. They have 24/7 crisis care that allows those with alcohol use disorder to get care when they decide to get help instead of risking the chance of changing their mind when it comes to seeking treatment. They also provide no-cost care assessments that allow people to meet with a representative before starting treatment. SUN Behavioral Health is also able to treat co-occurring disorders. These are two or more disorders that exist at the same time, such as an alcohol use disorder and depression, and require treatment together.

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs. For more information about them, visit their website or call them at 859-429-5188.