Episode 61 | Stigma Stops Here: Breaking Addiction Barriers

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the stigma surrounding addiction and its effects on both individuals struggling with substance use and the family and friends who support them. They explain how societal judgment, assumptions, and misconceptions can make recovery more difficult by creating shame, discouraging people from seeking help, and isolating families.

They also talk about why stigma is so hard to overcome, noting that it is often deeply ingrained in social attitudes, language, and even systems of care. They share strategies for addressing these barriers, including using respectful language, increasing education about addiction, and connecting with local and national support resources.

Resources

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Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: [phone]

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