People addicted to drugs or alcohol are stigmatized in our society, which can impede their recovery. We cannot readily understand how they are thinking and why they are making the unhealthy choices they make. Alcoholics Anonymous advises us to separate the person from the disease. We might “hate the sin” or disapprove of harmful, self-defeating, and destructive drug use. But we love the sinner, maintain compassion and empathy, and want to help.

Stigma originates from outdated beliefs viewing addiction as a moral failing rather than an acquired, chronic, relapsing brain disease that is treatable. Often, society’s negative beliefs are internalized by people with substance use disorders, leading to social isolation and reluctance to pursue treatment. Reducing the stigma and shame associated with addiction is crucial to recovery, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the Addiction Policy Forum (APF), and Nora Volkow, M.D.

The Addiction Policy Forum (APF) offers anti-stigma training and initiatives, deploying resources at the community level. Founder and CEO Jessica Hulsey (author of Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families) told me, “APF has delivered our novel anti-stigma interventions to 5,827 individuals across 44 states since 2021. The data shows our programs improve understanding of addiction as a health condition, while reducing manifestations of stigma towards individuals in treatment and recovery from addiction, including stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.”

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) published ethical guidelines for addiction medicine practitioners, emphasizing the importance of respecting patient autonomy, providing nonjudgmental care, and offering a multifaceted approach to combating stigma in addiction medicine.

Overcoming addiction requires dogged persistence, day after day. If a person lapses, they need to forgive themselves and work on what’s needed to stay off alcohol and/or drugs. Perfection is not expected. Just as Tom Brady did not complete every pass, and Michael Jordan did not make every game-winning shot, these

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