Uncovering Stigma

Abstract

This sample of women in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) overwhelmingly reports stigma due to the perception held by others that drug addicts are dishonest, selfish, and take advantage of others. In addition to these personal attributes, having been arrested or incarcerated as well as being mentally ill, including depression, are also highly stigmatized. These women in NA also perceive that the general public, the media, their friends and neighbors, and, most importantly, their families do not understand what it is like to be a female drug addict. Moreover, those women who are incest survivors remain concerned about their identity as such.