Breaking the Stigma: Mental Illness & Addiction

Stigma.
It’s a word we’ve all heard.
But what does it really mean?

Stigma is a mark of disgrace—an unfair label placed on someone because of a circumstance or condition.

When it comes to mental illness and substance use disorders (like addiction to alcohol or other legal/illegal drugs), stigma is one of the biggest obstacles to healing.

Why Is Stigma So Dangerous?

Mental health and addiction are among the most stigmatised health conditions today.

Because of stigma:

• People are afraid to ask for help
• They face judgment and discrimination
• Their recovery is delayed, or worse, never starts

Stigma doesn’t just hurt feelings. It hurts recovery.
It creates real barriers to getting support, and contributes to poorer health outcomes across the board.

How Do We Break Stigma?

Good news: we can break stigma.
It starts with awareness—and small, everyday actions.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Watch Your Words

Language matters.
 The words we use shape how people think and feel.
 Instead of saying "addict" or "junkie," try:

• "Person in recovery"
• "Person living with a substance use disorder"

Speak with respect, not labels.

2. Educate Yourself (and Others)

Stigma often comes from misinformation.
Learn the facts about mental illness and addiction:

• They are medical conditions, not moral failures.
• They are treatable, like cancer, arthritis, or diabetes.

Share what you know—knowledge breaks ignorance.

3. Check Your Attitudes

We all carry bias, often without realising it.
 Be honest with yourself:

• How do you view people who are struggling?
• Would you treat someone differently if they had a history of substance use?

Let’s aim to replace judgement with compassion.

4. Share Your Story

Recovery stories have power.
 When we speak openly about:

• Our struggles
• Our determination
• Our successes

…we show others that recovery is possible—and worth it.

5. Challenge Myths & Stereotypes

Addiction doesn’t look one way.
 Mental illness doesn’t either.
 There’s no single "type" of person who struggles.

If you hear misinformation, speak up.
Lead with facts. Lead with kindness.

6. Support and Serve

Be a safe space. Be a kind face.

Whether you’re in recovery or just someone who cares:

• Offer support
• Listen without judgement
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect

Everyone deserves a chance to heal.

So Why Is There Still Stigma?

If addiction is a brain disorder,
If it’s as medical as diabetes or cancer...

Why does society treat people with substance use disorders so differently?

The answer: STIGMA.

The better question is:

How do we stop it?

The Answer: Together.

Every time we choose understanding over judgment…
 Every time we use respectful words…
 Every time we speak up or support someone in recovery…

We break the stigma—bit by bit, day by day.

At Kickback Recovery – We Break Stigma Every Day.

Join us in creating a world where:

• Mental health is treated with compassion
• Addiction is treated as a health issue
• And recovery is always possible