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Public perceptions of behavioral and substance addictions
Brent Lang1, Harold Rosenberg1
1Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University.
Summary
Public perceptions of addiction often overlook behavioral issues. This study found that people generally stigmatize individuals with addictions, whether to substances like heroin or behaviors like gambling, showing a reluctance to affiliate.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Research on public perceptions of addiction predominantly focuses on substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol, illicit drugs).
- There is a notable gap in understanding public attitudes towards behavioral addictions (e.g., pornography, gambling).
- Public stigma surrounding addiction can significantly impact treatment seeking and recovery outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public definitions and willingness to affiliate with individuals addicted to specific behaviors (pornography, gambling) versus substances (alcohol, marijuana, heroin).
- To identify public perceptions of addiction indicators across various addictive disorders.
- To examine the extent of public stigmatization towards individuals with substance and behavioral addictions.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide convenience sample of 612 American adults completed online questionnaires in summer 2015.
- Participants rated their perceptions of addiction severity and willingness to affiliate with individuals described as addicted to one of five conditions (pornography, gambling, alcohol, marijuana, heroin).
- Respondents evaluated various indicators (impaired control, dependence, desire) as signs of addiction.
Main Results:
- Heroin was rated as the most addictive substance.
- Participants demonstrated a general unwillingness to affiliate with individuals addicted to any of the studied substances or behaviors.
- Behavioral signs of impaired control and dependence were considered stronger indicators of addiction than desire to use or engage.
Conclusions:
- Despite increased public awareness, stigmatizing attitudes persist towards individuals with substance and behavioral addictions.
- Public perceptions of addiction severity and indicators vary across different types of addictive disorders.
- Findings highlight the need for interventions to reduce stigma associated with both substance and behavioral addictions.
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