IT SHOULDN’T! –
Dec. 12, 2025 – Stigma remains deeply rooted in society. Historically, substance dependence was viewed through a moral lens. It was a sign of weakness, irresponsibility or lack of self-control. These outdated ideas still influence public thinking today.
The word stigma itself comes from Ancient Greece. It was a visible branding inflicted on those deemed socially undesirable. Think: traitors, criminals and slaves. These physical marks signalled to others that they were people to avoid. The Greek term began to be used in its current form around 1963. Essentially, it refers to any prejudice or negative attitude towards someone with specific circumstances or traits. For addictions, there is the problem of:
Public stigma – the wider negative attitudes society holds towards people living with addictions.
Structural stigma – the systems, policies and workplace attitudes that exclude those with addictions.
Self-stigma – the internal shame people struggling with addiction feel towards themselves.
