Before ‘Rock Bottom’? Problem framing effects on stigma and change among harmful drinkers

Book chapter


Morris, J. (2022). Before ‘Rock Bottom’? Problem framing effects on stigma and change among harmful drinkers. in: Heather, N., Field, M., Moss, A.C. and Satel, S. (ed.) Evaluating the Brain Disease Model of Addiction Routledge.
AuthorsMorris, J.
EditorsHeather, N., Field, M., Moss, A.C. and Satel, S.
Abstract

Under the disease model of alcoholism, ‘rock bottom’ represents the point at which problem drinkers hit a low, after which denial is overcome and recovery begins. More specifically, the brain disease model of alcoholism implies those with the disease have a distinct pathology. However, a far broader population of drinkers experience harm without conforming to alcoholism stereotypes, reflecting a broader continuum of alcohol harms. The false binary created by an alcoholism/brain disease model allows harmful drinkers to distinguish their own ‘responsible’ use from the stereotyped/pathologized alcoholic other. This drives stigma via processes of separation and difference, raising the threshold for problem recognition. While attributing problem drinking to a disease may reduce blame toward the individual, evidence shows that blame is an insufficient measure of stigma and may come at the cost of increased

KeywordsAlcohol, alcoholism, stigma, brain disease model of addiction
Year2022
Book titleEvaluating the Brain Disease Model of Addiction
PublisherRoutledge
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File Access Level
Open
Edition1st Edition
ISBN9780367470067
Publication dates
Print07 Mar 2022
Publication process dates
Deposited05 Feb 2022
Web address (URL)https://www.routledge.com/Evaluating-the-Brain-Disease-Model-of-Addiction/Heather-Field-Moss-Satel/p/book/9780367470067
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https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/8z208

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