Assessment of internalized stigmatization and personality traits in individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders

Stigma refers to the negative labeling of an individual by society, whereas internalized stigma denotes the adoption of these negative judgments by the individual. Internalized stigma may be observed in individuals with alcohol and substance dependence, and certain personality traits are encountered more frequently in this population. A total of 130 individuals participated in the study, including 128 patients receiving treatment at the outpatient clinic or inpatient unit of the Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, AMATEM, and 2 individuals receiving treatment at the YEDAM. Of the participants, 48 had alcohol use disorder, 68 had substance use disorder, and 14 had mixed substance use. While levels of internalized stigma were found to be similar among individuals using alcohol, substances, or mixed substances, higher levels of neuroticism were observed in those with mixed substance use. Initiation of alcohol use before or after the age of 20 did not significantly affect levels of internalized stigma or personality traits. Individuals with a tendency toward self-enhancement exhibited lower levels of stigma avoidance. As neuroticism levels increased, higher levels of self-devaluation, fear of stigma, and avoidance of stigmatization were observed. Neuroticism levels were higher among unemployed individuals, women, and those who were separated, divorced, or widowed. In contrast, neuroticism was lower among married individuals and those living with their spouse. Levels of depression and anxiety were also lower among married individuals. The lives of individuals with substance use disorder were more adversely affected compared to those with alcohol use disorder. Deficits in anger control and sensation-seeking behaviors were more pronounced among individuals with mixed substance use. Female participants reported higher frequency and intensity of substance use compared to males. Addiction severity was lower among university graduates compared to individuals with lower levels of education. Participants residing in districts met diagnostic criteria for addiction more frequently than those living in city centers. In this group, both addiction severity and motivation to quit substance use were higher. The findings of this study indicate that internalized stigma during the course of addiction is associated more closely with sociodemographic factors and personality traits than with the type of substance used. These results suggest that addressing these factors in addiction treatment programs is of considerable importance. Furthermore, for individuals with alcohol use disorder, it may be more appropriate in clinical practice to prioritize the evaluation of current psychosocial functioning rather than attributing excessive importance to the age at which alcohol use was initiated. Keywords: Alcohol, Substance, Addiction, Stigma, Personality