Stigmatization and Social Functioning Levels of Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders

Abstract

Aim The aim of this stu dy was to determine the levels of internalized stigma and social functioning of patients with alcohol use disorders. Method The study is cross-sectional and descriptive. The data were collected between August 2017 and August 2018 using face-to-face interviews with 104 alcohol-dependent patients who were undergoing inpatient treatment. The data collection was done so through personal information forms, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), and the Social Functioning Scale (SFS). Descriptive statistics, t test, and correlation analysis were used in evaluating data. Results Analysis of the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients showed that the mean age was 47.28 ± 10.10 years and 92.3% of the patients were male. The mean age of patients when they first started drinking alcohol is 19.37 ± 6.25 years. It was determined that 85.5% of the patients were also cigarette smokers, 37.5% were previously treated because of alcohol dependence, and 34.6% are currently having legal problems. Patients' ISMIS mean score was 71.99 ± 13.78, and the mean scores of subscales were moderate. In SFS, the mean scores of the “preliminary social activity” and “leisure activities” subscales and the total scale scores were at a moderate level and those of the other subscales (social withdrawal, interpersonal functionality, independent competence, independent performance, job-profession) were below average. As the ISMIS mean score increases, the SFS subscales' mean scores decrease (p < .05). Conclusion Alcohol-dependent patients negatively stigmatize themselves, and the functionality of their prosocial activity skills, along with their recreational activities, is inadequate. Furthermore, as ISMIS tends to increase, SFS (interpersonal functioning, prosocial activities, recreational activities, independence-performance) levels decrease.

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

“…However, as individuals increase their alcohol intake and/or begin to develop AUD, this behaviour becomes more stigmatised. While alcohol use is generally glamorised or normalised in society, having an AUD is highly stigmatised 4…”

“…While alcohol use is generally glamorised or normalised in society, having an AUD is highly stigmatised. 4 Stigma is a broad concept that encompasses negative views of a certain trait or topic. Stigma uses a label (eg, 'alcoholic' or 'addict') and an associated stereotype (eg, unworthy, unpredictable, out of control) to produce a negative response (eg, biased policies, discrimination, social rejection).…”

New Access Routes to Undertreated Populations; How Do Problem Substance Users Recruited from an Unemployment Office Differ from Detoxification Treatment Inpatients?

“…This treatment gap level cannot be explained by problems regarding the financing of treatment, as SUD treatment is covered in Germany by both statutory health insurances and pension funds. However, there might be other obstacles to starting an SUD treatment, including the stigmatization of both the SUD itself and of the related treatment institutions [ 6 , 7 ]. Hence, one could argue that additional ways to approach untreated subjects with SUD need to be considered.…”