In today’s media, extreme portrayals of drug users perpetuate stigma and discrimination. Sensationalist headlines and stories tend to paint those struggling with substance use as criminals or broken individuals. Hence, such portrayals reinforce harmful stereotypes. It hurts to see yourself reduced to a negative without hope for change.

Moreover, such portrayals strip away people’s humanity, making it difficult for them and their families to seek support and treatment. Tarzana Treatment Centers battles against these negative stereotypes as a proactive recovery organization. Indeed, they do damage and risk lives by discouraging people from accessing the help they need.

Young People and Overcoming Stigma and Discrimination

Stigma and discrimination create a barrier to seeking treatment. Such barriers often worsen health outcomes and deepen isolation. When you reduce someone to their substance use, they are less likely to ask for help. Moreover, they believe they will be judged or rejected.

The weight of stigma and discrimination is often overwhelming for young people, especially. Adolescents are susceptible to social judgment. Thus, they may feel that recovery is unattainable when exposed to negative portrayals. In addition, they get the sense that society has already given up on them.

In a comprehensive examination of recent National Library of Medicine studies, “The relationship between stigma and psychological well-being is the only consistent finding reported in the literature. Specifically, results suggest that stigma has a detrimental effect on psychological well-being among individuals who use drugs.”

How can youth recover from a substance use disorder if they also face stigma and discrimination? And how can adults do the same?

SUD Treatment Services and Tarzana Treatment Centers

The Youth and Family Services staff at TTC aim to break through this stigma and discrimination by offering compassionate, evidence-based care. Therefore, TTC focuses on holistic treatment, viewing everyone as more than their struggles. By providing comprehensive prevention and treatment services that are accessible, respectful, and culturally sensitive, TTC works to change the perception of SUD treatment and recovery. Thus, we offer education, counseling, and supportive services that help both youth and adults reclaim their lives and rebuild their identities beyond substance use.

Additionally, prevention is a core focus at TTC, especially for young people. Youth obtain the knowledge and skills to make informed choices through early intervention and educational programs. By shifting the narrative from blame to support, these services help to prevent stigma and discrimination. The goal is to keep substance use from escalating and provide a lifeline to those who feel trapped.

In changing public attitudes, society can move away from the stereotypes that isolate and shame individuals. Promoting respectful media representations and recovery efforts helps create a culture that values recovery, resilience, and compassion. Reducing stigma is a collective responsibility, and it starts by recognizing the humanity in everyone and supporting accessible pathways to recovery.