Stigma in the Workplace

Stigma and misinformation can create significant hurdles to attracting and keeping skilled professionals in the workforce. 

• Believing that addiction care isn't "real" healthcare: Some people don't understand that addiction is a medical condition and a serious health issue, like diabetes or heart disease. This misinformation can lead to fewer people considering work in this important field.
• Negative attitudes about the work: Some people wrongly believe that working with individuals with addiction is dangerous or that addiction medicine isn't a serious science. These false ideas scare people away.
• Lack of respect for addiction professions: Addiction treatment and research are sometimes seen as less important or prestigious than other medical jobs. This can make talented individuals reconsider careers in addiction services.
• Bias against those with lived experience: Professionals who are in recovery themselves can face unfair treatment or doubts about their ability to do the job. This can prevent people from joining or staying in the workforce.
• Lack of understanding: Many people don't even know what an addiction counselor does or that it's a real profession. They might think it's only for certain groups of people or that staff aren't professionally trained.

Stigma makes it harder to find and keep talented people in the addiction workforce. 

When we think negatively about those impacted by addiction, it hurts everyone, including those who provide addiction related services. 

A common myth suggests addiction counselors don't have much education and are mostly people in recovery from addiction. 

This is not true. As a matter of fact:

• Addiction counselors are highly educated.
• 81% of Addiction Counselors in New York State have a college degree.
• Nearly half (47%) have a Master’s degree!
• 1 in 4 (25%) also hold another New York State license, like a social worker or nurse.
• For those in recovery themselves or who have family in recovery, their personal experience is a benefit and helps them understand addiction better. When combined with their training, it makes them even more effective.

It's time to change how we think and talk about addiction. By eliminating stigma, we can encourage more talented individuals to join the addiction workforce and help more people get the care they need.