Why We Say No To Stigma.

As imaging technology emerges and as the science behind addiction advances, stigmas are being challenged. And as facts become harder to deny, prejudices become harder to defend. “At its core, addiction isn’t just a social problem or a moral problem or a criminal problem. It’s a brain problem whose behaviors manifest in all these other areas. The disease is about brains, not drugs. It’s about underlying neurology, not outward actions,” says Dr. Michael Miller, former president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Roc & Doc talk more about stigma in this latest episode as they interview the founder of The New Day Campaign.  

Stigmas are imposed by society, communities, friends and even family and can stand as a tall and demoralizing hurdle to people who are struggling with addiction. Stigma seems to offer yet one more reason to stay stuck. So here’s how some of us eventually began to think: Rather than waiting for science or society to shake the stigma, it’s a far better to transcend it all by embracing the lifestyle of recovery.

You are not your disease. Yes, it’s part of your story but it’s not how the story has to end. And transcending any label or caricature requires us to treat the disease, secure remission, and enjoy recovery. And by “recovery” I’m not simply talking about regaining what you’ve lost. I’m talking about going further in life than you ever have or ever thought possible. The recovery lifestyle should be an amazing journey of discovery, achievement, purpose, and meaning.

Transcending stigma means embracing recovery despite the misinformed opinions of others. You really do have the capacity to understand and overcome! Now pass it on.