COSIG CONFERENCE BROCHURE.pdf - Drexel University College ...

COSIG Co-Occurring Disorders Conference, Hershey PA, May 15-17, 2006
Opposite of Stigma
• Widespread acceptance of truth.
• Acceptance that human beings have
limitations.
• Honest compassion.
• Recognition that people in recovery are
normal, everyday people who live, love,
work, play, pay taxes and vote.
Combating Stigma
• Speak on addiction as other conditions
and illnesses.
• Educate to overcome attitudes.
• Encourage research.
• Assist those needing treatment to obtain it.
• Provide support and services.
• Eliminate discrimination in all areas.
Stigma Busters
The best medication and treatment in the
fight against mental illness and addiction
have come about in the past 15 years, as
have public awareness, education and
training about these disorders.
Stigma
• The idea that psychiatric disorders
have something to do with the
supernatural.
• The association between mental
illness and the supernatural in films
such as “The Snake Pit” and “One
Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”.
Stigma
• The media often feature one-sided,
negative coverage of those with mental
illness.
• The focus is usually on those who are
not taking their medication and whose
actions result in involvement with
police.
Employment
• According to the President’s New
Freedom Commission on Mental Health,
people with mental illnesses and/or
co-occurring disorders have one of the
lowest rates of employment of any group
with disabilities – only about 1 in 3 is
employed.
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