Jordan Koman
Professor Moore
MHS 2031
30 October 2018
Stigma Case Study: Substance Abuse and Alcoholism
By definition, alcoholism is “a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake…and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally” (“Alcoholism”). According to the article “What is Alcoholism?”, when in the presence of an intoxicated individual, one may witness symptoms such as slow reaction time, poor reflexes, reduced brain activity, lowered inhibitions and blurry vision. In reference to long-term health, those struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder are at risk for “brain defects, liver disease, heart problems, bone loss, vision damage [and] increased risk of cancer” (“What is Alcoholism?”). Unfortunately, the prevalence of alcohol disorders and misuse is greater in the United States than most citizens like to admit, or are even aware of. “According to the 2015 NSDUH, 15.1 million ages 18 and older had AUD” (“Alcohol Facts and Statistics”). The view and treatment of alcoholics in today’s society is that of a negative, judgemental manner in which individuals struggling with alcoholism, or any addiction for that matter, are viewed as ‘junkies’ and are believed to exhibit nothing more than careless, reckless behaviors. Negative stigma continues to be prevalent in society and media outlets neglect to paint positive, encouraging images surrounding substance abuse and rather reinforce and dramatize the drunken habits traditionally believed to be true depictions of these illnesses, forcing those individuals who suffer from them to hide in the dark and neglect admitting their truth out of fear of judgement and neglection.
For this case study on the depiction and portrayal of alcoholism, I chose to compare the two films Flight and 28 Days. Flight is a 2012 film in which the main character, a male pilot named Whip Whitaker, struggles with an alcohol and drug addiction that becomes exposed during a flight crash investigation. After struggling to come clean and relapsing twice within the duration of the movie, Whitaker eventually comes to terms with his disease and holds himself accountable for his actions. On the other hand, 28 Days is a 2000 film that depicts an alcohol and drug addicted female journalist, Gwen Cummings, who continues to embarrass herself, and her family, time and time again until being court-ordered to complete a months time at rehab. Despite her initial refusal and attempt to relapse, the main character eventually comes to terms with her substance abuse and begins to take her time at the rehabilitation facility seriously. Both films present individuals with substance abuse disorders, specifically alcohol and drugs, and their journeys to becoming sober, accountable individuals. I chose these two movies in particular as I was curious to analyze the differences in alcoholism portrayal based on differing genders, age, and social contexts.
In both films, a stereotypical, misleading representation of the alcoholic population is painted through scenes depicting certain behaviors and attitudes of those struggling with substance abuse. For example, Pilot dedicates several scenes throughout the film to solely focus on Whip’s behaviors while intoxicated and, sometimes, the reactions of others in response which typically support the idea that the ongoing actions are normal, or to be expected, from an individual in such a state. To be specific, the film dedicates several minutes to a single scene of highly intoxicated Whip Whitaker exhibiting immensely stereotypical ‘drunken habits’ such as slurred speech, carelessness, and clumsiness to the extent of losing balance, falling over and passing out on the floor in seconds. Similarly, Gwen from 28 Days is illustrated as obnoxious, messy and clumsy, especially the wedding scene in which she shows up to her sister’s wedding late and intoxicated, proceeds to perform quite an embarrassing toast during the reception and later loses her balance while dancing, resulting in her stumbling over and crashing into the wedding cake. In short, the trend of dramatizing drunken habits and supporting the stereotypical beliefs about those with substance abuse is highly prevalent in these films and assists in reinforcing the negative stigma surrounding substance abuse and addiction in society.
The lack of care or negligence within society to become aware of the problem of substance abuse and alcoholism, educate themselves on the truth of it and provide a supportive foundation to obtain treatment for individuals who are suffering leads to the secrecy and fear of reaching out for help from those who struggle with these illnesses. As a result, individuals suffering from substance abuse, or any mental illness or addiction for the matter, feel forced and pressured to hide their truth behind closed doors and fake faces. Because of this fear to confide in others due to the prevalent negative stigma, individuals often ‘sulk in their sorrows’ alone and often find themselves in a downwards spiral, unable to control themselves and worsening their condition day by day. Historically, a large percentage of the population believed that mental illnesses were controllable and were simply a result of one’s mood or attitude. Realistically, it is, or should be, understood that mental illness are diseases of the brain in which individuals should seek and receive medical, and often therapeutic, help for. Moreover, majority of individuals suffering from one mental illness, such as substance abuse or addiction, often have another co-occurring disorder, both illnesses feeding the other. As a result, it is important that not only the suffering individuals, but society as a whole, become educated on the truth of mental illness and addiction in order to recognize symptoms and assist in directing individuals towards obtaining the help and treatment they are in need of.
One way in which individuals in society can become educated and trained in the field of mental illness and addiction to help a suffering individual is through Mental Health First Aid training. By definition, Mental Health First Aid is “the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves” (Nat’l Council for Behavioral Health and the Missouri Department of Mental Health, 12). As a Mental Health First Aid responder, one is able to recognize certain symptoms aligning with certain illnesses, engage in reassuring yet informative conversation with suffering individuals, persuade them that they can take control of their mental or physical state, and begin to direct them to treatment options once comfortable with the idea. In sum, “the training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis” (“About – Mental Health First Aid”).
For an individual suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse, a MHFA Action Plan to be carried out by a MHFA responder would begin with assessing the situation for risk and recognizing symptoms such as their perception of drinking, their level or abuse of drinking, withdrawal problems when suspending use or dependence on alcohol to function. Next, the responder would enact in conversation with the believed-to-be alcoholic and listen nonjudgmentally to their judgements and beliefs or opinions of their addictive behavior; during this, it is extremely important to refrain from accusational, critical, or judgemental comments or behaviors. After listening, the responder would follow up with reassurance and information about their condition. For example, rather than criticizing the alcoholic for being an addict and not realizing it, the responder would respect the person and rather support them in attempting to tone down their behavior through encouraging low-risk drinking, informing them on the harms of excessive drinking, encouraging them to understand their control over the situation and attempt to try and change their behaviors. Furthermore, the responder would encourage appropriate professional help through discussing available options such as visiting a doctor or certifies specialist and exploring treatment opportunities. The last step of this MHFA Action Plan would be to encourage self-help and other support strategies such as attending support groups or AA meetings, surrounding themselves with supportive and understanding people, and having stable family relationships.
In conclusion, alcoholism and substance abuse is not only prevalent in today’s society, but is combated with a negative stigma that reinforces traditional, or historic, misleading and judgemental beliefs. This negativity is supported and reinforced through the dramatized drunken state and reckless behaviors portrayed in media and leads individuals to stereotype these actions upon real-life individuals suffering from a disease. To combat this negative stigma and get help for those who desperately need it but know not otherwise, it is important to spread awareness of the percentage of the population who struggle with mental illnesses and disorders, to educate individuals on accurate symptoms and consequences, and to encourage society to begin looking out for one another and offering or recommending help to those who need it rather than judging and neglecting.
Works Cited
“About – Mental Health First Aid.” Mental Health First Aid, 18 Oct. 2013,
www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/about/.
“Alcohol Facts and Statistics.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services,
www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-stati
stics.
“Alcoholism.” Dictionary.com, Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com/browse/alcoholism?s=ts.
Mental Health First Aid USA. National Council for Behavioral Health, 2015.
“What Is Alcoholism? – Learn about an Alcohol Addiction.” Alcohol Rehab Guide,
www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/.
“Why Society Views Addicts and Alcoholics Negatively.” Smarmore Castle Hospital – An
Alcohol & Drug Rehab Clinic,
www.smarmore-rehab-clinic.com/blog/09/2017/why-society-views-addicts-and-alcoholi
s-negatively.