AIMS: Stigma is likely to aggravate the severe medical and social consequences of alcohol dependence. We aim to explore the characteristics of the alcohol dependence stigma by comparing it with the stigma of other conditions. METHODS: On the basis of a systematic literature search, we identified 17 representative population studies published before July 2010 that examine aspects of the stigma of alcoholism and simultaneously of other mental, medical or social conditions. Seven surveys were located in Europe, five in North America, three in New Zealand and one each in Brazil and Ethiopia, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with people suffering from other, substance-unrelated mental disorders, alcohol-dependent persons are less frequently regarded as mentally ill, are held much more responsible for their condition, provoke more social rejection and more negative emotions, and they are at particular risk for structural discrimination. Only with regard to being a danger, they are perceived to be at a similarly negative level to that of people suffering from schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: Alcoholism is a particularly severely stigmatized mental disorder. Cultural differences are likely, but under-researched. We discuss possible reasons for the differences between the stigma of alcoholism and of other mental diseases and the consequences for targeted anti-stigma initiatives.
AIMS: Stigma is likely to aggravate the severe medical and social consequences of alcohol dependence. We aim to explore the characteristics of the alcohol dependence stigma by comparing it with the stigma of other conditions. METHODS: On the basis of a systematic literature search, we identified 17 representative population studies published before July 2010 that examine aspects of the stigma of alcoholism and simultaneously of other mental, medical or social conditions. Seven surveys were located in Europe, five in North America, three in New Zealand and one each in Brazil and Ethiopia, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with people suffering from other, substance-unrelated mental disorders, alcohol-dependent persons are less frequently regarded as mentally ill, are held much more responsible for their condition, provoke more social rejection and more negative emotions, and they are at particular risk for structural discrimination. Only with regard to being a danger, they are perceived to be at a similarly negative level to that of people suffering from schizophrenia. CONCLUSION:Alcoholism is a particularly severely stigmatized mental disorder. Cultural differences are likely, but under-researched. We discuss possible reasons for the differences between the stigma of alcoholism and of other mental diseases and the consequences for targeted anti-stigma initiatives.
Authors: Sonja Kilo; Birgit Hofmann; Elisabeth Eckert; Thomas Göen; Hans Drexler Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2016-07-09 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Emily C Williams; Carol E Achtmeyer; Jessica P Young; Douglas Berger; Geoffrey Curran; Katharine A Bradley; Julie Richards; Michael B Siegel; Evette J Ludman; Gwen T Lapham; Mark Forehand; Alex H S Harris Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2017-10-30 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Veronic Clair; Verena Rossa-Roccor; Aggrey G Mokaya; Victoria Mutiso; Abednego Musau; Albert Tele; David M Ndetei; Erica Frank Journal: Psychiatr Serv Date: 2019-09-25 Impact factor: 3.084
Authors: Leonieke C van Boekel; Evelien P M Brouwers; Jaap van Weeghel; Henk F L Garretsen Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2013-05-09 Impact factor: 4.328