Pubdate: Tue, 17 Nov 2015
Source: Tennessean, The (Nashville, TN)
Copyright: 2015 The Tennessean
Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/SITES/OPINION/submit-editor.shtml
Website: http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Author: Richard Soper

STIGMA OF ADDICTION KILLS

Why do families have to wait until their husbands, brothers, sons or 
fathers die before they can talk about the disease that killed them?

On Nov. 2 the National Academy of Sciences released the study "Rising 
Morbidity and Mortality in Midlife Among White Non-Hispanic Americans 
in the 21st Century," which was co-authored by one of the recent 
winners of the Nobel Prize in economics.

The study discusses the causes of premature death for middle-aged men 
but failed to mention the stigma associated with the diseases that killed them.

Dismissive and disdainful terms continue to be used to refer to 
individuals with addiction to alcohol or drugs.

These terms reflect a moral judgment that is a relic of a bygone era, 
when many thought that addiction was a moral failing and a source of 
shame. Today we know that addiction is a chronic brain disease and 
there are effective evidence-based treatments.

We need to change the national discussion and reduce stigma at all 
levels to assure access to treatment for men and women of all ages, 
socioeconomic status and race.

Put simply, individuals with addiction involving alcohol or drugs are 
our patients, friends and family members who need and deserve treatment.

Richard Soper, M.D., J.D., Nashville 37204
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