Dr. Saurabh Kumar
MBBS, M.D. (Psychiatry) 15 years experience overall Psychiatrist , Neuropsychiatrist , Sexologist
Perceived stigma and its correlates among treatment seeking alcohol and opioid users at a tertiary care centre in India
Published In: Asian Journal of Psychiatry
About Asian Journal of Psychiatry: The Asian Journal of Psychiatry is a respected peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing mental health research in the Asian context. It provides a platform for high-quality research in psychiatry, psychology, and allied disciplines, with a particular focus on the unique sociocultural and environmental factors affecting mental health in Asia. The journal is committed to publishing innovative research that offers insights into mental health challenges and solutions, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical applications in the field of psychiatry.
Abstract
This scholarly article, co-authored by Dr. Saurabh Kumar and colleagues, explores the profound and often under-researched topic of perceived stigma in individuals seeking treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders in India. Published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, the study investigates the social stigmatization of substance use and its correlations with various demographic and clinical factors. The research is a significant contribution to understanding how perceived stigma influences treatment-seeking behavior, social integration, and recovery outcomes among individuals with substance use disorders.
Key Findings of the Research:
Prevalence of Perceived Stigma: The study revealed that individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders experience significant levels of perceived stigma, with a mean perceived stigma score of 21.23 on the Perceived Stigma of Substance Abuse Scale (PSAS). This stigma is characterized by societal prejudices and the anticipated discrimination patients expect in various areas of life, including employment, personal relationships, and social interactions.
Demographic Correlations: One of the study's key findings is the association between place of residence and perceived stigma. Patients from rural areas reported significantly higher levels of perceived stigma compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity suggests that rural environments, where there may be more conservative views toward substance use, contribute to heightened feelings of exclusion and judgment among individuals with substance use disorders.
Impact on Employment and Social Acceptance: The research found that stigma related to substance use significantly affects employment opportunities and social relationships. A majority of participants believed that employers would favor other applicants over individuals with a history of substance use, even if they were qualified for the job. Similarly, many patients felt that they would be judged as less trustworthy or unsuitable for certain roles, such as caregiving or teaching, due to their substance use history. This finding highlights the pervasive nature of stigma, which extends beyond personal relationships to broader societal roles and responsibilities.
Variation Across Substance Use Types and Behaviors: Interestingly, the study did not find a significant association between the duration of substance use, type of substance (alcohol versus opioids), or high-risk behaviors such as injecting drug use and perceived stigma. This indicates that stigma may be more influenced by societal attitudes than by the specific details of an individual’s substance use history.
Implications for Treatment and Recovery: The research underscores the critical role that perceived stigma plays in shaping the lives of individuals with substance use disorders. It can impede recovery by reducing self-esteem, increasing social isolation, and discouraging patients from seeking or continuing treatment. The study suggests that addressing stigma through public awareness campaigns and supportive interventions could significantly improve the treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Applicability to the General Population:
This study has far-reaching implications for both the general population and healthcare systems. It draws attention to the harmful impact of societal stigma on individuals with substance use disorders, which can exacerbate feelings of shame, alienation, and low self-worth. For the general public, the research serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering more inclusive, compassionate attitudes toward those battling substance use issues.
The findings are also relevant for policymakers and healthcare providers, who must recognize that stigma is not merely a social issue but a public health concern that directly affects treatment engagement and success. By reducing stigma through education and creating more supportive treatment environments, society can better integrate individuals with substance use disorders into meaningful roles, thereby improving both their quality of life and their long-term recovery prospects.
In conclusion, this article by Dr. Saurabh Kumar and his colleagues offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of perceived stigma among substance use patients. It not only contributes to the academic understanding of stigma in the context of substance use disorders but also provides actionable recommendations for improving mental health outcomes through stigma reduction.
Author Information: Gyawali, Shreeya, Siddharth Sarkar, Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Saurabh Kumar, Vaibhav Patil, and Swarndeep Singh. "Perceived stigma and its correlates among treatment seeking alcohol and opioid users at a tertiary care centre in India." Asian Journal of Psychiatry 37 (2018): 34-37.
View Original Research