Empowering Self Advocacy and Reducing Stigma
By Dane Mullis, BSW, CADC, NCCPSS
- 6 minutes read - 1112 wordsSubstance Use Disorder (SUD) is a serious medical condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Despite its prevalence, those struggling with addiction often face significant stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers that hinder their recovery. For many, the experience is not just about managing addiction, but also navigating the intersection of addiction and disability rights.
In this blog post, we will explore how SUD is viewed through the lens of disability rights, the importance of self-advocacy, and how knowledge of these rights can help reduce the stigma that surrounds addiction.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder as a Disability
Substance Use Disorder is officially recognized as a disability by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other global frameworks. Under the ADA, individuals with SUD who are in recovery or actively seeking treatment are protected from discrimination in various areas of life, including employment, housing, and access to public services. More importantly, someone in recovery or active use has the right to equal, accessible healthcare. The ADA protects those who are in active addiction, recovery, or are participating in treatment programs from being treated unfairly in healthcare settings due to their past substance use. Furthermore, the ADA provides protections outside of healthcare for those in recovery from SUD. This distinction can help shift societal views, moving beyond the idea that addiction is simply a moral failing and recognizing it as a medical condition that deserves the same rights and accommodations as other disabilities.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Disability Rights
Self-advocacy is a powerful tool for individuals facing SUD. It empowers people to understand and assert their rights, fostering a sense of agency in an often overwhelming world. Here are some ways people with SUD can advocate for their rights:
- Know Your Rights
Individuals should educate themselves on the legal protections available to them. Under the ADA, those in recovery cannot be discriminated against for past substance use or for participating in a treatment program. Knowing these rights enables individuals to confidently advocate for fair treatment. I have linked a resource for these rights at the end of the post.
- Access to Treatment
One of the most significant barriers people face in overcoming addiction is the difficulty in accessing proper treatment. Advocating for equal access to treatment resources, whether in healthcare settings or through employer-sponsored programs, can significantly impact recovery. The ADA mandates that individuals with disabilities, including those recovering from SUD, must have access to medical and rehabilitation services.
- Workplace Advocacy
If someone with a history of substance use is qualified for a job, they have the right to be considered based on their abilities, not their past struggles with addiction. Employees can self-advocate for reasonable accommodations, such as flexible hours to attend counseling or treatment sessions, without fear of losing their job. Publicizing this information can help break down barriers that prevent people from seeking work or maintaining employment during recovery.
- Public Awareness and Education
Self-advocacy extends beyond personal interactions and into the broader public sphere. By engaging in discussions about the rights of people with SUD and advocating for policies that remove barriers, individuals contribute to a more inclusive society. Participation in advocacy groups or movements can amplify the message that addiction is a medical condition, not a moral or personal failure.
- Combatting Discrimination
Understanding the protections against discrimination in housing, education, and healthcare can help individuals avoid wrongful exclusion or mistreatment. Advocacy may involve filing complaints with organizations like the U.S. Department of Justice or seeking support from local legal aid programs to ensure their rights are respected.
Reducing Stigma: Changing the Narrative Around Addiction
One of the most significant challenges faced by people with SUD, and in recovery, is the stigma that surrounds addiction. This stigma can be internalized, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. It can also manifest in discrimination, whether in the workplace, healthcare settings, or social circles. This negative perception of addiction as a moral failing rather than a medical condition often prevents people from seeking help and enjoying equal rights. However, when individuals advocate for their disability rights, they not only protect themselves but also challenge the misconceptions about addiction. Here’s how:
- Humanizing the Experience of Addiction
By discussing addiction in terms of disability and recovery, individuals can help others see addiction as a chronic condition requiring support, rather than as a personal weakness. Personal stories of recovery can help humanize addiction, showing that those affected can lead productive, fulfilling lives once they receive the right care and support.
- Advocacy as Education
Self-advocacy is a powerful tool for education. By explaining that SUD is classified as a disability under the ADA, people can educate others about the medical nature of addiction and the importance of offering compassion and support rather than judgment. As people become more informed about the rights of individuals with addiction, societal attitudes toward substance use disorders begin to change.
- Policy Change Through Advocacy
Advocating for better policies that promote access to healthcare and reduce barriers to treatment can help reshape public attitudes. For example, pushing for better insurance coverage for addiction treatment, more funding for recovery programs, and changes to workplace policies can help reduce the burden of discrimination faced by those in recovery.
- Combating Internalized Stigma
When individuals are aware of their rights and are empowered to advocate for themselves, it helps reduce internalized stigma. They are less likely to feel ashamed or defeated by their past substance use. This shift in mindset can have a profound effect on their recovery journey and overall mental health.
Conclusion
Substance Use Disorder is a disability that, like many others, requires a compassionate, informed approach to treatment and support. Understanding the intersection of disability rights and addiction can help individuals with SUD access necessary resources, challenge discriminatory practices, and advocate for fair treatment. Additionally, by sharing their stories and advocating for their rights, individuals can help reduce the stigma that perpetuates misunderstanding and harm in society.
By fostering a culture that views addiction as a medical condition and not a moral failing, we can help those in recovery feel empowered and supported. Through self-advocacy and education, we can create a society that embraces those struggling with substance use disorders, giving them the tools they need to succeed in life, free from the weight of stigma.
If you want to learn more about your rights as someone in recovery, who uses drugs, or just in general, checkout Disability Rights North Carolina’s resources:
DRNC SUD Healthcare Discrimination Team
DRNC Know Your Rights Factsheet:
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/substance-use-disorders-and-access-to-healthcare-services/
DRNC Healthcare Discrimination Flier (English):
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Healthcare-Discrimination-English.pdf
DRNC Healthcare Discrimination Flier (Spanish):
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Healthcare-Discrimination-Spanish.pdf
DRNC Share Your Story portal for healthcare discrimination:
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/share-your-story-substance-use-disorder-and-healthcare/
Treatment/Housing Resources for NC searchable by county: