People needing addiction treatment overcome more stigma than people with other mental health conditions
Some mental health disorders have much less stigma attached than in years past. People suffering from depression or anxiety, for example, no longer feel the need to hide their conditions and are usually comfortable seeking needed medical care and/or counseling. It is not the same for those with addiction.
People in the throes of addiction sometimes behave in ways that are contrary to social norms. When they lie or steal to get the substance needed to prevent their painful withdrawal symptoms, or when their behavior is aggressive or paranoid because of their substance use, people who know and love them sometimes have difficulty maintaining compassion and sympathy.
One of the reasons substance use disorders are often stigmatized is the long-held assumption that people who are addicted should take personal responsibility to just stop using. The belief continues that they lack willpower, or simply don’t want to stop and that it is their choice to continue using. What is often overlooked or simply not understood is that those with severe substance use disorders don’t use for enjoyment but merely to prevent severe and painful withdrawal symptoms. They use in an attempt to feel “normal.”
Despite research to the contrary proving substance use treatment is usually necessary for people with substance use disorders, the stigma continues. It continues even into the medical care arena where individuals with legitimate medical complaints are sometimes not treated with the compassion that others routinely receive, and sometimes care is denied because of their addiction.
People with substance use disorders are aware of the stigma attached to addiction and this often causes them to neglect medical issues rather than face the scorn of medical providers. This adds to the weight of the guilt and shame that those who are addicted carry.
Compassionate treatment of substance use disorders is important.
Increased training for those in the medical profession, especially those who are likely to interact with individuals who are addicted, could improve the care that individuals with addiction receive. This is especially important for emergency department personnel and primary care providers who could point those with addiction to substance abuse treatment options. Shame does nothing to encourage treatment and recovery.
Nearly 20 million people in the United States have substance use disorders.
As recently as 2018, an average of 185 people died daily from drug overdoses. Addiction treatment is necessary and should be provided with respect and compassion. People should be able to receive needed care without the fear of facing the stigma and shame still common with addiction.
Gulf Breeze Recovery understands the harm that guilt and shame inflict on those battling addiction. Each guest at Gulf Breeze Recovery is treated with dignity and respect. All medical, clinical, and support staff view each person as more than their addiction, they are an individual on their way to long term health and recovery.
Interventions that offer support and understanding help people overcome their addiction and maintain their recovery. Options are available for residential care as well as outpatient and intensive outpatient programs. The professional staff at Gulf Breeze Recovery help identify the care that will best fit the needs of the individual.
Incorporating a holistic treatment program, Gulf Breeze Recovery focuses on the physical and emotional needs of their guests. Professional medical and clinical staff strive to give every individual the best care and opportunity for long term sobriety.
The goal of Gulf Breeze Recovery is to allow you to live your life while changing your life.
If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of alcohol or substance use and/or relapse, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about their residential program, out-patient program, and intensive out-patient program, and which of these can best fit your individual needs. These programs have helped many people overcome their addiction and embrace their new happy, healthy, substance-free lifestyle.
We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE!
People needing addiction treatment overcome more stigma than people with other mental health conditions
Some mental health disorders have much less stigma attached than in years past. People suffering from depression or anxiety, for example, no longer feel the need to hide their conditions and are usually comfortable seeking needed medical care and/or counseling. It is not the same for those with addiction.
People in the throes of addiction sometimes behave in ways that are contrary to social norms. When they lie or steal to get the substance needed to prevent their painful withdrawal symptoms, or when their behavior is aggressive or paranoid because of their substance use, people who know and love them sometimes have difficulty maintaining compassion and sympathy.
One of the reasons substance use disorders are often stigmatized is the long-held assumption that people who are addicted should take personal responsibility to just stop using. The belief continues that they lack willpower, or simply don’t want to stop and that it is their choice to continue using. What is often overlooked or simply not understood is that those with severe substance use disorders don’t use for enjoyment but merely to prevent severe and painful withdrawal symptoms. They use in an attempt to feel “normal.”
Despite research to the contrary proving substance use treatment is usually necessary for people with substance use disorders, the stigma continues. It continues even into the medical care arena where individuals with legitimate medical complaints are sometimes not treated with the compassion that others routinely receive, and sometimes care is denied because of their addiction.
People with substance use disorders are aware of the stigma attached to addiction and this often causes them to neglect medical issues rather than face the scorn of medical providers. This adds to the weight of the guilt and shame that those who are addicted carry.
Compassionate treatment of substance use disorders is important.
Increased training for those in the medical profession, especially those who are likely to interact with individuals who are addicted, could improve the care that individuals with addiction receive. This is especially important for emergency department personnel and primary care providers who could point those with addiction to substance abuse treatment options. Shame does nothing to encourage treatment and recovery.
Nearly 20 million people in the United States have substance use disorders.
As recently as 2018, an average of 185 people died daily from drug overdoses. Addiction treatment is necessary and should be provided with respect and compassion. People should be able to receive needed care without the fear of facing the stigma and shame still common with addiction.
Gulf Breeze Recovery understands the harm that guilt and shame inflict on those battling addiction. Each guest at Gulf Breeze Recovery is treated with dignity and respect. All medical, clinical, and support staff view each person as more than their addiction, they are an individual on their way to long term health and recovery.
Interventions that offer support and understanding help people overcome their addiction and maintain their recovery. Options are available for residential care as well as outpatient and intensive outpatient programs. The professional staff at Gulf Breeze Recovery help identify the care that will best fit the needs of the individual.
Incorporating a holistic treatment program, Gulf Breeze Recovery focuses on the physical and emotional needs of their guests. Professional medical and clinical staff strive to give every individual the best care and opportunity for long term sobriety.
The goal of Gulf Breeze Recovery is to allow you to live your life while changing your life.
If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of alcohol or substance use and/or relapse, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about their residential program, out-patient program, and intensive out-patient program, and which of these can best fit your individual needs. These programs have helped many people overcome their addiction and embrace their new happy, healthy, substance-free lifestyle.
We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE!
About Gulf Breeze Recovery:
Gulf Breeze Recovery, unlike other treatment centers in Florida, is a non 12 step holistic drug and alcohol rehab that is changing the future of addiction treatment with their THRIVE® (Total Health Recovery) program focused on overcoming chronic relapse.
Gulf Breeze Recovery’s THRIVE® program is a non 12-step approach designed for those who are looking for a drug and alcohol treatment program to produce a different and positive result.
This non-12 step program allows you to drive beyond your addictions and promotes a new outlook on life.
We are licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and our last audit scored 99.7! Also, we are gold certified by the Joint Commission.
Want to read more about Gulf Breeze Recovery’s non 12 step, holistic drug and alcohol rehab? Check out some of our latest posts:
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Overdose Deaths Soar in the Midst of a Pandemic
January 27, 2021
Alcoholism Today in Seniors and Younger Generations
January 20, 2021
End Chronic Relapse and Start a New Life!
At Gulf Breeze Recovery we don’t want you to have just a great recovery, we want you to have a great life!