Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Recently, the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition (Mystic Valley PHC) has launched an anti-stigma campaign. The campaign is called “#StigmaPreventsChange.”
The goal of the campaign is to remove stigma that is often associated with opioid addiction. The campaign offers the help that people need while making them feel comfortable about expressing themselves.
The cities involved in this are Malden, Melrose, Medford, Reading, Stoneham and Wakefield. Many families from those cities are involved in the addiction of opioid. People that are addicted feel isolated, which causes them to use the drugs even more.
In 2013, during the opioid crisis in Mystic Valley, it was determined that stigma is the leading barrier to change. It is a very serious issue that has impacted hundreds and thousands of people all around the world.
Negative words and behavior towards the person can force them even more in the addiction, and most of the people do not seek help. One out of five Americans have a mental disorder, and about two thirds of them do not tell anyone. People that are suffering
from this substance abuse disorder should be treated with respect, especially during the recovery process.
