“Alcoholic” Stigma Averts Treatment

Over 60 percent of those with drinking problems refuse to seek help due to the attached stigma of alcoholism. This is according to research led by Dr. Katherine Keyes of Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health. The study looked at the results of 6300 respondents to the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Two-thirds of the respondents, who met criteria for having an alcohol use disorder, were not likely to seek treatment due to identifying a stigma attached to alcohol abuse. Men, minorities and individuals with lower income and education levels were most likely to respond in this manner.

“Given that alcohol use disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the United States,” says Dr. Keyes, “the empirical documentation of stigma as a barrier to treatment is an important public health finding.”

Contact the Working Partners team to learn how to address alcohol abuse as part of a comprehensive Drug Free Workplace program.

Tags: alcohol abuse program, alcohol disorder, alcohol in workplace, dfwp, drug free workplace