Destigmatizing Relapse and Addiction

By Roy DuPrez

Substance abuse is the cause of thousands of deaths every year, affecting the lives of the people suffering through addiction and their loved ones. Treatment experts deal with these facts every single day. Treatment for substance use has come a long way, with a variety of options to help people achieve sobriety. However, these treatments don’t reach enough people who deal with substance abuse issues. One of the reasons for this is the stigma around addiction and relapse that still exists. We have to continue to help break this stigma if we want to help more people.

Relapse is a reality for the majority of substance abuse users and relapse is often viewed as a natural part of recovery. Missteps in recovery happen and we need to avoid adding stigma around these missteps. A relapsing person may already feel like they have failed themselves or their loved ones, so it is important that we inform people that they can pick themselves up after a relapse.

A relapse occurs for a variety of reasons and sadly, the public’s perception of relapse is warped. Far too many peo- ple consider relapse as simply a choice by someone who lacks the desire to get sober. However, it is important to let people know that addiction is a brain disorder that must be treated. Relapse is not a moral failing and does not show a lack of character in a person struggling with addiction. Sadly, this stigma still exists in some healthcare providers who may give patients substandard care because they don’t understand addiction. Providers refusing to work with patients because they think the patient is exhibiting drug-seeking behavior is not an uncommon occurrence. These stigmas cause people with substance abuse issues to internalize this stigma, which can demotivate them to seek treatment.

Ending the stigma around addiction is not an easy task. The stigma is ingrained in society and change takes time. It requires training medical professionals and the family members of people struggling with addiction to take a more compassionate approach. There also needs to be a wider understanding that factors outside of someone’s control influence addiction. Factors such as genetics, environment, and our brain’s reward system all contribute to a person’s ability to get sober and their likelihood of relapse. It is important to understand that everyone dealing with addiction is different and the path to sobriety for one person may not work for another. Relapse will happen and we have to continue to push a culture of support and continued treatment even in the face of failure. Broader education based on compassion and the importance of treatment is the best way to destigmatize relapse. FBN

Roy DuPrez, M.Ed. is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.