Debunking misinformation that has contributed to the harm and stigma of people who use drugs
Nov 18 - Written by Lee Ables and Sarah DuvalThis blog post is part three of a series that will cover different topics related to drug use and addiction, also known as substance use disorder, as it pertains to older adults. CELJ has received funding from the opioid settlements to work with adults ages 50 and older who have been impacted by drug use. The Substance Use Awareness and Advocacy Program for Older Adults seeks to provide education, outreach, and civil legal representation for this population. We will explore these topics in an informative and compassionate manner and intend to be a continued resource for the community no matter where an individual may be on their journey with substance use. This funding has been made possible through the hard work and dedication of many to hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the hand they have played in the opioid crisis. We commemorate the lives that have been lost due to this crisis as we work together to put an end to the continued harm inflicted on our community. With this goal in mind, part three of this series aims to dispel some of the myths around drug use and offer resources so that individuals who may be experiencing this can make informed decisions.
MYTH: Drug use or substance use disorder is a moral failing of the individual.
The third entry of this series is debunking misinformation that has contributed to the harm and stigma of people who use drugs. When we think about long-term continued drug use, or someone developing substance use disorder, it is important to understand that just like any other chronic disease, it is linked to genetics, biological, social and environmental factors.
Inside our brains there is an internal reward system that tells us when we do something it feels good, such as when we eat our favorite food or exercise. When drugs are introduced to the body, they do the same thing at an even more intense rate that it increases the likelihood for repeated use. The brain starts to make connections that reinforce the behaviors that gave the reward in the first place. People who use drugs can develop triggers for use, being in certain environments, seeing certain people can all lead to an individual feeling the need to use. Repeated drug use can also alter certain areas of the brain so much so that people who use drugs may continue use just to feel normal and may lose the feeling of getting high or feeling pleasure from the substance all together. Beginning to understand how drugs impact a person’s brain function may be a helpful first step in looking beyond the drug use and seeing the person.
There are many paths to recovery for people who use drugs, and that path is unique to every individual. It is important to understand that returning to drug use may even be a part of that journey, that does not mean someone is failing. When shame is weaponized around someone’s drug use, what is already a difficult process like recovery becomes even more challenging. It is known that shame is a contributing factor as to why people who use drugs may not reach out for support and will use alone, increasing risk of overdose and death. Providing an array of services around drug use in collaboration with unlearning these harmful myths will only increase the health, safety and betterment of our community at large.
If you or someone you know is looking for resources or support, the local Addiction Hotline can be reached at 716-831-7007, Never Use Alone can be reached at 877-696-1996 and is an Overdose Prevention Lifeline, or you can reach out to CELJ for non-emergency information at 716-853-3087.