Exploring Stigma among Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This paper explores stigmatization among patients with substance use disorder and how it affects the addiction severity and treatment. The PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, OvidSP Science Direct, PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, and Web of Science databases were searched for experimental studies and randomized controlled trials about SUDs published in peer-reviewed English-language journals between 2020 and 2023. This review was carried out from January 2023 to June 2023. (03 years only). Out of the 314 first found papers, 10 were examined and assessed, and 41 (or 13%) underwent full-text examination (Figure). There were 6 studies done in the USA and 1 each in Korea, Egypt, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy, China, and Pakistan.  All 13 studies were based on the incidence of stigma among patients diagnosed with SUDs. The finding showed that stigma in its various forms affects the treatment of individuals with SUDs. In crucial domains including health care, work, insurance, and legislation, stigmatized language can erect obstacles for people attempting to recover and contribute significantly to society. Stigma and unfavourable public perceptions of SUDs, stigma among those who have SUDs are correlated with the intensity of their addiction and may lessen with sobriety. Stigma affects not only mental health, but also social relationships, and the overall well-being of individuals.