Pubdate: Wed, 13 Sep 2006
Source: South Bend Tribune (IN)
Copyright: 2006 South Bend Tribune
Contact:  http://www.southbendtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/621
Author: Tom Cox
Note: Author is Chairperson, Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition Bloomington

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
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MAP posted-by: Elaine