Relation Between Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Self Stigma among Substance Use Patients

Background: Substance use disorder is a major global issue, and research indicates that those suffering from substance use disorders face higher levels of self-stigma. Self-stigma is defined as the presence of negative judgments, attitudes, feelings, or beliefs that can lead to sadness and a loss of self-esteem. Emotion regulation difficulties have been shown to play a significant role in the development and maintenance of mental diseases, including substance use disorders. The aim of study was to assess the relation between emotion regulation difficulties and self-stigma among substance use patients. Methods: Research design: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at El Azazi Hospital for Mental Health in Abo Hamad City, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Participants: A purposive sample of 186 patients with substance use disorders from the above-mentioned setting was the participants of the study. Tools of data collection: Data were collected using three tools: Tool I, sociodemographic characteristics; Tool II, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS); and Tool III, the Perceived Stigma of Substance Abuse Scale (PSAS). Results: The study results showed more than half of the studied substance use patients experienced high levels of emotion regulation difficulties (52.7%) and self-stigma (54.9%). Conclusion: There was highly statistically significant positive relation between emotion regulation difficulties domains and self-stigma. Recommendation: Integrating psychosocial training into rehabilitation and relapse prevention programs, focusing on emotional regulation and self-stigma reduction.