How to Talk to Your Doctor About Substance Abuse

Though many doctors are making efforts to improve how patients with substance use disorder are treated during pregnancy, they may unintentionally choose words that shame someone for having a particular condition. They may use words that describe you as “the problem” rather than describing your condition as a challenge that you face.

For example, they may refer to you as an “addict” instead of a “person with a substance use disorder.” Using person first language helps remind doctors that you are more than your dependence and you should not be shamed for something you cannot easily stop. Remember, you deserve kindness and support. Learn more about using words that matter here.

Stigma is a part of a person that causes others to devalue or think less of the whole person. Traits considered “undesirable” or “not normal” are often stigmatized by those who do not understand. The stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) can put those who suffer from a SUD in danger. It can cause isolation from loved ones, and it can make people afraid to seek help.

Bias is a tendency, inclination, or prejudice towards or against something or someone. Biases can be helpful or harmful, especially if you are not aware of them. Explicit bias involves knowing you hold these biases and acting on them on purpose, while implicit bias involves not knowing you have bias. Everyone has bias, especially implicit bias – including you and your provider. It is possible for bias to bleed into your healthcare experience.

Stigma occurs at a larger level than bias but can often be the cause of bias. If you are surrounded by those who feel a certain way about a specific type of person, you may begin to feel similarly. Stigma can affect the way you are treated, your ability to plan for a healthy and happy future, and even affect your general healthcare. You can help reduce stigma by learning to advocate for yourself, searching for providers that treat SUDs with care, and teaching others about SUDs. If you decide that now is the time to seek treatment, just know that you can do it!

People who are pregnant and using substances often tell their doctors because they want help. Patients may be worried about talking to their doctor and looking for help because of stigma around substance use during pregnancy. It is important to find healthcare providers and others who can support you as you seek treatment. Use the following link to locate healthcare providers that serve pregnant people with SUDs here.

There is a relationship between mental health and substance use disorder. Like all other mental illnesses, you do not choose to have a substance use disorder (SUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), or other similar conditions. You did not start using a substance with the goal of becoming dependent on it. Often, people choose to start using substances to cope with their life, past traumas, stress, and more. Other times, you may feel social pressure from friends or family members that use substances. It can feel as if the only way to fit in with that group is to use substances, too. You might have been surrounded by substance use when you were younger. There can be many reasons why someone decides to use a substance.

Once someone begins to routinely use a substance, it is not as easy to quit as some would want you to believe. Unfortunately, an obstacle that can prevent recovery for someone with SUD is withdrawal syndrome. Once the body has become dependent on the substance and its effects, a certain amount of a chemical is constantly desired. Your body experiences a drop in the amount of the chemicals once you stop using the substance and now the body is not used to that lower amount. This results in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shaking, sweating, fever, vivid dreams, and abdominal and muscular pain. Using the substance again will cause these symptoms to go away, resulting in a harmful loop.