Breaking Down the Stigma about Addiction and Mental Health

For many people in recovery, stigma is a constant companion. Mental and physical illness, poverty, trauma and isolation can make fitting into mainstream society difficult. Alcohol and drug use is frequently seen as an effective way to deal with problems that might otherwise feel overwhelming. From time to time, people ask for help. Sometimes the assistance provided is helpful, other times it is not. At any given time, there are enough people asking for help that those who slip away can easily go unnoticed, returning to lives of despair, where alcohol and drugs can be counted upon to numb feelings that never seem to go away. Sometimes, those people die. It can be said that stigma kills. On this episode Dog Face and Squid discuss how the stigma can push a person in need of help to the end of their rope. Also, how we can help remove the stigma and help people by getting the word out and not be disgraced for doing so. Most importantly people who are already suffering should not feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Finally, Dog and Squid will remind the audience of some people who may have a lot to lose by coming foward and talking about their addiction and did so anyway..Tune in!!