Faculty Publications

Correlates Of Self-Stigma Among Individuals With Substance Use Problems

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Correlates, Self-stigma, Substance use

Journal/Book/Conference Title

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Volume

13

Issue

6

First Page

687

Last Page

698

Abstract

Although elevated levels of self-stigma are present among individuals with substance use problems, not all individuals with substance use problems experience uniform levels of self-stigma and there is limited information on what accounts for this variation. This research was conducted to identify correlates associated with self-stigma. Self-report measures of self-stigma and potential correlates were administered to 120 individuals residing in a state substance use treatment facility. Demographic and previous treatment variables were not substantially associated with self-stigma, and severity of particular categories of substance use and diagnoses were weakly associated with self-stigma. Mental health variables (temptation to use, depression, anxiety, quality of life) had the strongest associations with substance use self-stigma. Substance use treatment programs may be well advised to proactively address mental health issues and its potential impact on self-stigma, which may ultimately influence engagement, retention and outcome in substance use treatment.

Department

Department of Psychology

Original Publication Date

12-1-2015

DOI of published version

10.1007/s11469-015-9559-9

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