My name is Mat Cardinale, and my father was an alcoholic.

Based on that statement, you might already be making some assumptions about my father, his substance use, or about me. Some of you may not continue reading this because of stigma related to the word “alcoholic.” If you do that, you won’t know the rest of the story. Still with me? If you continue reading, it means you did not make a quick judgement based on stigma. Think about how that judgement or stigma can affect someone’s ability to be an active part of his or her environment or want to participate at a productive level if written off that quickly.

Now for the rest of the story. In addition to telling you about my father, I should probably also tell you that I am a Staff Social Worker working at the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene’s Behavioral Health Clinic in Jamestown. I have been on the job for nearly three years. In that time, while working with those struggling with substance use, I have consistently heard how other’s judgements has affected their recovery efforts.

Based on their association with substance use, many individuals have voiced a lack of motivation, less optimism for their future, or a decrease of their overall image of self-worth. Recently while speaking with a client regarding stigma, she firmly stated, “A lot of people are judgmental and don’t understand addiction. They just think you can be clean, like it’s a choice you make, and that’s all there is to it.” She said, like many struggling with substance use, her journey toward active recovery has not been the straightest of lines, partly due to the fear of judgement as someone struggling with substances.

She continued, “I felt like I would be treated differently because of my addiction. I still feel, even in active recovery, I am singled out from mistakes I have made in the past. “ She referenced having a criminal history related with substance use as a major barrier in life areas, such as finding gainful employment. “Anyone can google me and see police reports and a history of substance use. You think I am their first choice to hire?”

Another client attributes a societal stigma relating to substance use as a consistent barrier in his life. “People trust you less whether you’re actively using or have a history. I am more likely to be blamed for the problems in my life because of my substance use history, rather than specific circumstances. I feel like I’m an easy target.” He goes on to identify how this has had an impact on his self-esteem. “Both in society and within my family I have felt like the ?black sheep’ for a long time, both being compared to those that were more successful as well as being reminded of the poor choices I have made relating to substance use.”

These responses are neither shocking nor uncommon when working with those struggling with substance use. The greater societal perception seems clear. There is an acceptance that problems associated with substance use are the users’ fault and nobody else’s. The key to enriching their lives is their problem, not ours. Though I cannot directly control stigmas like these that potentially take place in our community at large, I can say I consider the Department of Mental Hygiene’s Clinics as safe places for those in need of services to reclaim their lives. We believe in helping anyone in need regardless of substance history or other circumstances.

Our clients are treated with dignity and respect by our knowledgeable and skilled professional staff. Our outpatient clinics in Jamestown and Dunkirk provide various services for those afflicted by both mental health and substance related concerns, varying from individual and group counseling to medication-assisted treatment. Additionally, clients are highly encouraged to take an active role in planning their treatment with the goal to reinforce self-determination and empower those in need.

The amount of people in our community struggling with substance related problems is staggering. Many of these people, and often times their loved ones, will not seek treatment or support despite problems, likely due to the stigma that exists. It is our responsibility to change how we view and approach this uncomfortable topic, with an open attitude and with acceptance and love. I want to emphasize that addiction is treatable and people can recover. Do not take for granted your ability to impact another human being struggling with addiction. You can make a difference. You may not get a second chance, as I experienced with my father who lost his battle with addiction several years ago.

Mat Cardinale is a staff social worker at the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene’s Behavioral Health Clinic in Jamestown.