Stigma and Addiction

what is Stigma

Stigma is defined as a set of negative beliefs that society holds about a topic or group of people. The concept of stigma describes the strong, negative perceptions commonly associated with drug and alcohol addiction. Stigma has the potential to negatively affect a person’s self-worth, ruin relationships with loved ones, and stop those still suffering from addiction from accessing treatment options.

While research has helped us learn that addiction is a chronic, progressive, but treatable mental health condition, the general public has not yet caught up. Behind cost, stigma is the second largest barrier for individuals considering treatment.

what can we do

At Valley View Recovery Center, we are committed to challenging the stigma and negative thoughts associated with alcohol and drug addiction. Our strategy is to focus on people who are in recovery and reveal that people do recover from drug and alcohol addiction and that it is a chronic disease that can be well managed if properly treated. Also, those with addictions are no different than anyone else — it can happen to anyone. It affects those of every race, age, gender and economic or social status.

We encourage recovery spaces where recovery can thrive and serve as hope to others. For us those spaces include our alumni program which will occur once per month and will involve recovery speakers, clean time celebrations, and community/family engagement. Current clients will be able to see, first hand, that recovery exists after walking out those doors.

As ​a treatment center, we see the harsh reality faced by our clients. Our goal is to treat our clients and help them live as fully functional members of society. There are people in recovery at every level of the government, in private companies, and throughout our communities. That is because treatment works.

Find out more about our programs here.