Relationship between self-stigma about alcohol dependence and severity of alcohol drinking and craving

Abstract

BackgroundThe correlates and consequences of stigma surrounding alcohol use are complex. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is typically accompanied by self-stigma, due to numerous factors, such as shame, guilt and negative stereotypes. Few studies have empirically examined the possible association between self-stigma and alcohol-related outcomes.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between self-stigma about alcohol dependence and the severity of alcohol consumption and craving.MethodsIn a sample of 64 participants, the majority of whom had a diagnosis of AUD (51), bivariate correlations were first conducted between Self-Stigma and Alcohol Dependence Scale (SSAD-Apply subscale) scores and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores, Alcohol Timeline Follow-Back, Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) scores and Penn Alcohol Cravings Scale scores. Based on the results, regression analyses were conducted with SSAD scores as the predictor and AUDIT and OCDS scores as the outcomes.FindingsSSAD scores positively correlated with AUDIT scores, average drinks per drinking day, number of heavy drinking days and OCDS scores (p<0.001, p=0.014, p=0.011 and p<0.001, respectively). SSAD scores were also found to be a significant predictor of AUDIT and OCDS scores (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), even after controlling for demographics.ConclusionsHigher levels of self-stigma were associated with more severe AUD, greater alcohol consumption, and more obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours related to alcohol.Clinical implicationsOur results suggest that potential interventions to reduce self-stigma may lead to improved quality of life and treatment outcomes for individuals with AUD.

Examining the relationship between acceptance of different models of addiction and individual stigma among outpatients with alcohol and opioid use disorders.

“…These findings do not suggest that enacted and anticipated individual stigma among those with an AUD does not exist. Indeed, research has highlighted the relationship between enacted and anticipated individual stigma and AUD severity and increased greater alcohol consumption (Crozier et al, 2023). The current findings thus highlight the importance of reducing all forms of individual stigma across all SUDs.…”

“…Reasons for seeking treatment can be complex and influenced by external (i.e., due to external pressures), introjected (i.e., guilt and shame), or identified motivation (i.e., driven by personal values; Urbanoski & Wild, 2012). Reducing individual stigma may also lead to improved quality of life, including reductions in depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and hopelessness, and has been tied to greater drinking refusal self-efficacy, which lends itself to more favorable treatment outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders (Crozier et al, 2023). Understanding how different dimensions of treatment motivation are associated with individual stigma is important for addressing aspects of treatment engagement.…”