[Addiction does not rule out somatic disease: don't let stigma influence diagnostic approach and treatment]

Addiction is a disease that occurs often and causes a large burden of disease. Patients are frequently stigmatized, also by health caregivers. As a result, care of patients with addiction is often sub-optimal and sometimes harmful. We present three patients in whom the focus on addiction, the diagnosis, and treatment of other somatic disorders has remained underexposed, with severe consequences for the patient. We discuss what stigmatization is and means for patients with addiction. We must recognize that professionals stigmatize, just as patients do themselves. There are effective interventions to help medical professionals destigmatize patients with addiction in their education and training. Every intervention starts with self-reflection on the stigma of addiction in every healthcare professional.