Freedom From Stigma and Support: Member Appreciation Week

Hello from the Addiction Support Team as we join in Member Appreciation Week, May 24 to May 28th, happening throughout the 7 Cups community. Our theme for today is Freedom From Stigma and Support for those who experience Stigma.

Stigma is a set of harmful and negative beliefs used to define and assign labels to groups of people. Stigma is rarely based on facts but rather on assumptions, preconceptions, and generalizations. The media and entertainment industries have helped perpetuate many falsities about addiction and the traits of an addict. Some of the most harmful misconceptions and beliefs may include:

➼The perception that addicts lack of willpower and self control

➼The perception that addicts are less intelligent

➼The perception that addicts can not change

It is important to raise awareness about stigma and offer support and encouragement for those who are the victims of negative assumptions and misconceptions. Some ways we can offer support, as a community here at 7 Cups, and raise awareness in our home communities are:

➼Offering compassionate support

➼Displaying kindness to people in vulnerable situations

➼Listening while withholding judgment

➼Understanding people are more than their addiction

➼Treating people with drug dependency with dignity and respect

➼Replacing negative attitudes with evidence-based facts

➼Speaking up when you see someone mistreated because of addiction

➼Sharing your own stories

What addiction related stigmas or misconceptions do you believe are the most hurtful?

If you could teach the world one thing about recovery, what would you choose to say?

Click HERE to participate in other Member Appreciation Week events.