Webb Therapy Uncategorized Continued guilt, shame, and internalised stigma correlated to alcohol and other drug use

Continued guilt, shame, and internalised stigma correlated to alcohol and other drug use

Despite significant advancements in political and health initiatives by governments and non-governmental organisations, shame, stigma, and internalized stigma continue to profoundly impact millions of lives worldwide. These negative perceptions and self-judgments can lead to feelings of worthlessness, self-blame, and social withdrawal, which in turn hinder access to services and participation in treatment.

Shame and stigma are particularly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and those experiencing psychosis. For instance, internalised stigma can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and hopelessness, which significantly impede recovery and emotional well-being. Even with the implementation of cognitive therapy and other supportive measures, the battle against internalised stigma remains ongoing in a similar fashion to intergenerational trauma, as though it has been built into human DNA.

Political and health initiatives have attempted to be instrumental in addressing these issues. For example, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has launched numerous programs aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing stigma. These initiatives focus on health promotion, early intervention, and disease prevention, aiming to create supportive environments for those affected by stigma.

However, the persistence of shame and stigma highlights the need for continued efforts to combat these issues especially in the workplace and within individual families. Addressing stigma therapeutically, promoting empathy and non-judgmental attitudes, and supporting individuals to view themselves beyond their conditions are crucial steps in mitigating the negative impacts of stigma.

Helping someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) while protecting yourself and your family involves a delicate balance of support and self-care. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding SUD and its effects can help you make informed decisions and provide better support. Reliable sources include medical professionals, reputable websites, and support groups.

2. Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries to protect your well-being. This might include rules about substance use in the home, financial support, and personal interactions. Boundaries help prevent enabling behaviours and reduce stress.

3. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Self-care helps you maintain your mental and emotional health.

4. Seek Support

Join support groups like Al-Anon or seek therapy to process your emotions and develop coping strategies. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide invaluable support and understanding.

5. Encourage Professional Help

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, such as counselling, therapy, or medical treatment. Treatment programs often include individual, group, or family therapy sessions, which can be beneficial for everyone involved.

6. Detach with Love

Detaching with love means setting emotional and psychological boundaries while still offering support. This approach helps you avoid becoming emotionally drained and allows your loved one to face the consequences of their actions.

7. Be Patient and Compassionate

Recovery is a journey that takes time. Be patient and compassionate with your loved one and yourself. Celebrate small victories and stay hopeful.

8. Avoid Judgment

Avoid being judgmental when discussing substance use. Offer support and understanding instead of criticism, which can help reduce feelings of shame and stigma.

References

Al-Anon Family Groups. (n.d.). Al-Anon and Alateen. Retrieved from https://al-anon.org/newcomers/what-is-al-anon-and-alateen

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2024). Initiatives and programs. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/initiatives-and-programs

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Health promotion and health protection. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/health-promotion

Australian Government Department of Health. (2019). Alcohol and other drugs – Information for families. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/alcohol-and-other-drugs-information-for-families

Mental Health Foundation. (2016). How to cope when supporting someone else. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-cope-when-supporting-someone-else

Morrison, A. P., Birchwood, M., Pyle, M., Flach, C., Stewart, S. L. K., Byrne, R., Patterson, P., Jones, P. B., Fowler, D., & Gumley, A. I. (2013). Impact of cognitive therapy on internalised stigma in people with at-risk mental states. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 203(2), 140-145. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.112.112110

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Family support in addiction recovery. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/family-support-in-addiction-recovery

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Substance use disorders. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disorders

Wood, L., Byrne, R., Burke, E., Enache, G., & Morrison, A. P. (2017). The impact of stigma on emotional distress and recovery from psychosis: The mediatory role of internalised shame and self-esteem. Retrieved from https://repository.essex.ac.uk/21927/1/woodpr2017.pdf

Your Room. (2021). Shame and self-stigma. Retrieved from https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/whats-new/Pages/Shame-and-self-stigma.aspx

Related Post

Welcome to Webb TherapyWelcome to Webb Therapy

Webb Therapy is a casual and confidential, talking therapeutic process dedicated to supporting people who are experiencing anything, and want to talk about it.

I specialise in substance use disorder (addiction) and recovery, emotion regulation, general stress and behavioural change.

Location: Sydney City

Please Phone 0488 555 731 to schedule a booking.
Price: $120.00 for a 60 minute session.
Please enquire if you are a low income earner or receiving Centrelink benefit.

Toxic Shame and the Gifts of Healthy Shame.Toxic Shame and the Gifts of Healthy Shame.

Think about what it means to be human. Yes, we have internalised toxic levels of pressure to be a certain way. We also know, as we mature, that being a certain way it complete bull shit and nonsense. I saw a quote once that said  “Can you remember who you werebefore the world told you who you should be?” -Charles Bukowski. I don’t know who this person is, but it’s the truth. Come home to yourself, and reach out for help from a professional if you need some support or help with that.

Polyvagal Theory and Trauma – Dr. Stephen PorgesPolyvagal Theory and Trauma – Dr. Stephen Porges

Stephen Porges, psychiatry professor and researcher, on the polyvagal theory he developed to understand our reactions to trauma:

[Paraphrased] Polyvagal theory articulates three branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that evolved from primitive vertebrates to mammals. First, there is a system known as ‘freeze’, which involves death feigning or immobilisation. Second, the ANS has a ‘fight or flight’ system, which is a mobilisation system. And third, with mammals, there is what Porges calls, a social engagement system (SES), which can detect features of safety, and actually communicate them to another. The SES may also be referred to by some as ‘rest and digest’, which Porges theory suggests is a function of the Vagus Nerve – the tenth cranial nerve, a very long and wandering nerve that begins at the medulla oblongata. When an individual experiences feelings of safety (within an SES state), the autonomic nervous system can support health restoration. In terms of dealing with a life threat, an ordinary person will most likely go into a feigning death, dissociative state of ‘freeze’.

Polyvagal theory in psychotherapy offers emotional co-regulation as an interactive process between therapist and client which engages the social engagement system of both therapist and client. Social engagement provides experiences of safety, trust, mutuality and reciprocity in which we are open to receiving another person, just as they are.

The following extract has been retrived from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jun/02/stephen-porges-interview-survivors-are-blamed-polyvagal-theory-fight-flight-psychiatry-ace

Polyvagal theory has made inroads into medical and psycho-therapeutic treatment, but how should it inform how people treat each other?


“When we become a polyvagal-informed society, we’re functionally capable of listening to and witnessing other people’s experiences, we don’t evaluate them. Listening is part of co-regulation: we become connected to others and this is what I call our biological imperative. So when you become polyvagal-informed you have a better understanding of your evolutionary heritage as a mammal. We become aware of how our physiological state is manifested, in people’s voices and in their facial expression, posture and basic muscle tone. If there’s exuberance coming from the upper part of a person’s face, and their voice has intonation modulation or what’s called prosody, we become attracted to the person. We like to talk to them – it’s part of our co-regulation.

So when we become polyvagal-informed, we start understanding not only the other person’s response but also our responsibility to smile and have inflection in our voice, to help the person we’re talking to help their body feel safe.”

Clink on the link below to hear Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s leading experts on developmental trauma, explain how our long-term health and happiness can be compromised by prior exposure to violence, emotional abuse, and other forms of traumatic stress.

https://youtu.be/53RX2ESIqsM