Dr. Saurabh Kumar
MBBS, M.D. (Psychiatry) 15 years experience overall Psychiatrist , Neuropsychiatrist , Sexologist
Disability Among Patients with Opioid Use Disorders and Its Relationship with Stigma Toward Substance Use
Published In: Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry
About Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry: The Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry is a highly regarded, peer-reviewed journal that addresses the psychosocial dimensions of mental health. It emphasizes research that contributes to understanding the societal, cultural, and psychological factors influencing mental health. The journal provides a platform for discussions on complex social issues related to mental health, making it an important resource for both clinicians and researchers in psychiatry and related fields.
Abstract
Authored by Dr. Saurabh Kumar and his colleagues, this award-winning study, published in the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, examines the intersection of disability and internalized stigma in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). The study provides valuable insights into how individuals suffering from OUD are impacted by both physical and social challenges, and how the stigma they internalize contributes to their overall disability. This research is particularly important in the Indian context, where opioid use is on the rise, and social stigma remains a significant barrier to recovery.
Key Findings of the Research:
- High Levels of Disability in OUD Patients: The study reveals that patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) experience significant disability, particularly in the domains of work and interpersonal relationships. More than half of the participants demonstrated moderate to severe levels of disability. The findings highlight the pervasive impact of opioid dependence on daily functioning, with individuals often struggling to maintain employment or sustain meaningful social relationships.
- Correlation Between Disability and Stigma: A central finding of the research is the robust correlation between internalized stigma and disability in OUD patients. The study demonstrates that the higher the degree of stigma internalized by individuals, the greater their level of disability. This is particularly evident in the areas of social withdrawal and reduced self-esteem, which exacerbate the challenges OUD patients face in engaging with work, family, and community.
- Impact of Work-Related Impairment: The most profound area of disability identified was in work-related functioning, where patients showed significant impairments. The study emphasizes how OUD disrupts an individual’s ability to maintain employment, leading to economic instability and reinforcing cycles of addiction. Marginalization, frequent absenteeism, and legal issues were noted as key factors that further hindered employment opportunities for those with OUD.
- Internalized Stigma as a Predictor of Disability: One of the study’s most important conclusions is that internalized stigma is a strong, independent predictor of disability in patients with OUD. Patients who internalize negative societal stereotypes about substance use are more likely to experience a greater degree of disability, as they often view themselves as undeserving of respect or success, which leads to self-isolation and reduced motivation for recovery.
- Need for Targeted Interventions: The findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing internalized stigma could play a significant role in reducing disability in OUD patients. By addressing the self-stigmatizing beliefs that patients hold, clinicians can help improve their self-esteem and social functioning. Vocational rehabilitation and harm reduction strategies are also recommended as part of a holistic approach to mitigate the work-related impairments identified in the study.
Applicability to the General Population:
The implications of this research extend beyond clinical settings, offering important insights for public health policymakers, employers, and the general population. The study underscores the critical need for reducing the stigma surrounding opioid use disorders, which not only hinders recovery but also amplifies the disability experienced by patients. As opioid use continues to rise globally, including in India, this research serves as a call to action for more compassionate, stigma-reducing interventions and policies.
For the general population, this study raises awareness about the severe impact of opioid use on individuals’ ability to lead productive lives. By recognizing the role that stigma plays in exacerbating disability, society can take steps to support people with OUD in their recovery, integrating them more effectively into the workforce and their communities. This includes advocating for policy changes that expand access to opioid substitution therapy and provide more robust vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking research by Dr. Saurabh Kumar and his colleagues provides a critical understanding of how internalized stigma intensifies the disability experienced by patients with opioid use disorder. By addressing both the medical and psychosocial dimensions of this issue, the study offers a roadmap for improving the quality of life for individuals struggling with opioid dependence.
Author Information: Saurabh Kumar, Swarndeep Singh, Siddharth Sarkar, and Yatan Pal Singh Balhara. "Disability among patients with opioid use disorders and its relationship with stigma toward substance use." Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry 34, no. 1 (2018): 30-36.
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