Assessment of Self-Stigma in Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: An Insight from a Local Psychiatric Clinic in Harare

Substance use disorders (SUDs) results in stigmatization conditions which end up causing self-stigma in individuals with substance use disorders. It is said that, self-stigma occurs when individuals internalize societal stereotypes and negative attitudes towards oneself which is a significant psychological barrier that individuals with substance use disorders often face. The impact of self-stigma on treatment seeking, recovery and overall wellbeing of individuals with SUDs has been widely recognised. This study aimed to assess self-stigma in individual with SUDs who were being treated at a local psychiatric clinic in Harare. A descriptive simple random sampling of both sexes was done. A structured questionnaire comprising of validated measures was used to assess self-stigma adapted from Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale. Consent was sought verbally and in writing before collecting data. The results of this study showed that individuals with SUDs feel as burdens to their families, SUDs defines a person’s worth and limit opportunities were the major factors that led to self-stigma. Self-stigma was impacted by difficult to disclose, isolation and social withdrawal, barrier to accessing support, diminish self-worth and esteem that hindered recovery process. The findings also showed the preferred interventions by this sample population which were implementation of anti-stigma campaigns, access to accurate and non-stigmatizing information and counselling. It is anticipated that, by reducing self-stigma, treatment seeking behaviours, treatment adherence and overall well-being among individuals with SUDs can be improved.