Dealing with Stigma
It’s not easy beiing an addict. Family and former friends shun you-want nothing to do with you. You lose your job,your health, your
money,your self respect. Worst of all your hopes and dreams. What is left for you in life? Everything that reminds you of your
failures,poor choices,mistakes you want to blank out. Do you want others to know you are going to therapy? 50% will not even tell
their closest family or doctor about their substance dependency or treatment. Wanting to be anonymous, private and secretive is a
powerful need. Fortunately,Inpatient care is rarely needed and is less effective than outpatient. But the solution to cost, travel, job,
child care, timing,stigma,shame and need for privacy appeared with Covid. Telemedicine has proven to resolve all these concerns and
remains the most effective for life-long recovery.
money,your self respect. Worst of all your hopes and dreams. What is left for you in life? Everything that reminds you of your
failures,poor choices,mistakes you want to blank out. Do you want others to know you are going to therapy? 50% will not even tell
their closest family or doctor about their substance dependency or treatment. Wanting to be anonymous, private and secretive is a
powerful need. Fortunately,Inpatient care is rarely needed and is less effective than outpatient. But the solution to cost, travel, job,
child care, timing,stigma,shame and need for privacy appeared with Covid. Telemedicine has proven to resolve all these concerns and
remains the most effective for life-long recovery.
AUTHOR
Dr Fred Everett, retired
Coordinator of Patient Care,Overcoming Addictions
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