by Avah Fetzer
Assistant Editor-In-Chief
84% of people in the Columbus area claimed to know someone close to them that has struggled with addiction, according to a survey conducted in April 2022 by Avah Fetzer (12). Contrary to this large statistic, there has not been one social media post or even news article this year about September being the month for both addiction awareness and recovery awareness, on platforms that typically spread awareness for different causes. Being a clearly prevalent issue in society, this is an issue The Jag Times wanted to investigate in the Hilliard community, particularly through the eyes of various students and mental health professionals.
What causes this lack of discussion?
Through an anonymous form, some students expressed their beliefs regarding the silence. A few of these students feel as if stigma is a great contributor to the lack of communication about addiction awareness. One student shares that stigma makes it seem like “people who become addicted must just be ‘bad people’ rather than seeing it as another mental illness” (anonymous response #7). The stigma surrounding addiction is overwhelming. Addicts (either active in their addiction or in recovery) hear things from other people every day. They are shamed for their "bad choice" or how they "ruined their life" when in reality that is very far from the truth.
Bradley social worker Mrs. Burgos contributes her beliefs regarding stigma and lack of awareness. She believes that “many people don’t understand addiction and what it takes to recover” and that it “can be connected to mental health in some way”. She then finalizes, “There's often blame placed on the person addicted and a lack of support from those around them”. The stigma behind addiction is very extreme in comparison to other causes. People often become judgmental when addicts come forward about their struggles. However, it is just as important to try eliminating the stigma that many addicts face everyday.
Another common belief students express which interferes with the awareness raised during addiction and recovery month is the large number of other causes that need awareness as well. Bradley mental health specialist Mrs. O’Neil expresses, “while September is Recovery and Addiction Awareness Month (a cause that's very important to [her])” it’s also a variety of other awareness months. She continues by listing them, “Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness month, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Sepsis Awareness Month, and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to name a few”. Many of these awareness months are equally important however, “it can be overwhelming for most people to balance efforts and focus on all of these at once” (O’Neil). Some people may be more passionate about certain causes than others, especially if they have a personal connection to them.
Additionally, some students feel there is no hope in the matter or that it’s not taken seriously. They say things such as “I feel that people have no hope in it” (anonymous response #3) or “it’s not taken seriously” (anonymous response #2) in reference to the cause of addiction. These are just a few of the many reasons why addiction and recovery awareness months may be overlooked, but they appear to be the most prevalent in the Columbus area according to the beliefs of students.
What steps can society take to help?
Awareness. That’s the biggest thing that needs to be done in order for addiction-related causes to become more well-known and to promote recovery. But how can we as a community spread more awareness? The small amount of addiction awareness is perpetuated due to it being “easy for individuals who haven't lived with addiction or loved someone who struggles with addiction to have a major blind spot for the experience of these individuals” (O’Neil). It’s hard to try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes when you have no idea at all what it may even be like. The only way to spread awareness is to start that uncomfortable conversation and help others have a better idea.
Just like many other mental health causes, the stigma can be decreased by sharing personal stories rather than statistics. This also ensures the cause is conversed rather than ignored. It really allows for more spaces “where people feel safe to share their experiences and get help for themselves or a loved one” (O’Neil). Mrs. Burgos also believes that “educating others is huge as well”. People close to addiction can share stories to promote recovery and raise awareness.
Additionally there are many organizations that offer resources and information. Oftentimes, these organizations have websites talking about the mental health aspects, brain chemicals aspects, or even just general news surrounding certain areas related to addiction. The Jag Times encourages you to find out something you didn’t know before, and help raise awareness for a cause that is in desperate need!
For more information, check out these links:
For a list of student anonymous responses in Avah's survey, click on an additional post here.