'I WILL ALWAYS BE VIEWED AS AN ADDICT': A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF MEN'S EXPERIENCES WITH STIGMA, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY FROM SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect millions of Americans. People suffering from SUDs face widespread stigmatization, as many believe SUDs constitute a moral failing or a lack of willpower rather than a disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate how men of different racial backgrounds experience SUDs, from onset through recovery. This qualitative research consists of ten in-depth, semi-structured interviews with men who have attended residential SUD treatment in Southern California. Findings indicate that men with SUDs face discrimination from law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and employers. Participants emphasized that residential treatment is crucial for recovery, equipping them with tools that support long-term sobriety. Post-treatment, most participants engage in 12-step groups or otherwise contribute to helping others struggling with addiction, which provides a robust social support network. While white participants described a growing societal willingness to accept their condition as a disease, men of color did not share this sentiment. Additionally, many participants maintained that even after completing treatment, they were not received positively in society and needed to continue managing a stigmatized identity.