Self-stigma among individuals with substance use disorders: an exploratory study

Background Self-stigma is a significant barrier to treatment seeking among individuals with substance use disorders, often leading to negative psychological states, avoidant coping and social withdrawal.Objectives This study aimed to assess self-stigma among individuals with substance use disorders and examine its impact on social and occupational functioning and disability among treatment seeking patients.Materials and methods This cross-sectional study recruited 50 individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders (harmful use and dependence) as per ICD 10. Participants were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC), and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0).Results At the time of presentation, 86% of patients were not receiving any treatment. Most participants reported unfair treatment by friends (82%), family (80%), neighbours (68%) and spouses (54%), with over 70% reporting unfair treatment in at least one life domain. Unfair treatment showed a negative correlation with years of education and significant positive correlation with disability and duration of unemployment (p < 0.05).Conclusion Individuals with substance use disorders experience high level of stigma and discrimination, particularly in social, occupational, and intimate relationships domains which are associated with greater disability and delayed treatment-seeking. Targeted stigma-reduction interventions are needed to improve treatment outcomes and promote social inclusion in this population.