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isn't the social stigma surrounding addictions counterproductive?
one of the major causes that leads to the development of addictions,is the feeling of isolation.an addict usually feels lonely,helpless and turns to the addiction as a way of filling up the void & to feel in control.
the social stigma that surrounds addictions borders on being a taboo.the feeling of being ostracised from society only ends up reinforcing the feelings that made the person an addict in the first place.
shouldn't society be more accepting?
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Noah Crossfield
First, one must look at what causes some of these stigmas. Lets examine alcoholism. Alcoholism is commonly associated with drunk driving. Drunk driving accidents are horrific and very bad for society. Because alcoholism is a large factor in drunk driving accidents, society should stigmatize drunk driving. Society condemns actions that are harmful to the people of a society (it also condemns things that are different from the normal, but that isnt applicable to this conversation). This is why we praise good work ethics and don't like criminals. It encourages people to fit within certain limits of what is helpful to a society.
Addictions normally do not aid a healthy successful life. Drug addictions and alcohol addictions normally make keeping a job harder. Because we do not normally desire major addicts in society, the stigma against addictions is still useful.
That being said, I see what you are saying about society judging an addict. This seems to be a generalization though. I know of many different organizations and treatment options that are available for addicts. Counseling groups and rehabilitation centers are excellent examples. While society may condemn addiction, there are still havens which help with the very serious problem of addictions.
Personally, I know many people with addictions. I see the addiction in their life and the harm that addiction brings. I still see the addiction in a negative light. I still see it a stigma. However, I still love and care for these people. They are still people. I can accept a person while not praising every choice they make. That doesn't make their actions any less harmful though.
Theodore A. Hoppe 200+
Can you support this argument with some facts or is this just a belief based on media campaigns?.
Are there issues worse than drunk driving that get little or no attention but claim more lives?