ADDICTION STIGMA GETS IN WAY OF TREATMENT

As many as 74 percent of Americans say that addiction to alcohol has
had some impact on them at some point in their lives, whether it was
their own personal addiction, that of a friend or family member, or
any other experience with addiction. This is an increase from a
similar study in 2004, in which a 63 percent majority held that view.

Yet many people in treatment and recovery face stigma and
discrimination, which can be a barrier to receiving treatment.
According to a 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 21.6
percent of the 1.2 million people who felt they needed treatment but
did not receive it indicated it was because of reasons related to stigma.

We owe it to our neighbors and friends to support treatment and
recovery as effective ways to confront substance use disorders.
Substance use disorders are a disease that can be treated just as any
other chronic illness.

To promote the hopeful and healing message of recovery, the Indiana
Addictions Issues Coalition is participating in the 17th annual
observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month to
support those already in recovery and encouraging those in need of
help to seek treatment.

Learning about these issues will make it easier to break down
barriers to treatment. And it requires everyone's help to build a
stronger, healthier community -- together.

Tom Cox

Chairperson,

Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition Bloomington