Care, not stereotypes: Reframing addiction, mental illness and violence
By Leah Persky, Ph.D & CFLE • Addiction and Recovery Services Program Manager
Did you know that while millions of Americans are impacted by addiction, the vast majority are not violent? It is estimated that 20 percent of Americans have personally experienced addiction at some point in their lives. (KFF) Further, most people who suffer from addiction struggle to find and afford treatment. Addiction is a form of mental illness.
The tragic killing of Rob and Michele Reiner is on the mind of so many now. The stigma and misunderstanding around addiction is evident in the public commentary and debate. The bottom line is that mental illness and substance use disorders are not reliable indicators of violent behavior, and the vast majority of people living with these conditions are not violent. (APA, 2021) In fact, individuals who suffer from mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence, not perpetrators.
Addiction is common. The pain and complexity that often surround a family caring for a loved one who suffers from addiction is all too common. Treatment and support can be challenging to find. Often, treatment or recovery takes many tries. The Reiners were quite open about their struggles with getting support for their son. Many who have been impacted by addiction can relate to their challenges. What is unique about their story is that they were in the public eye and they were violently killed. Most families impacted by addiction do not also experience violence. One event cannot speak for all the experiences of addiction. It is easy to jump to conclusions in the face of such tragedy, but we must look at the research, facts, and educate ourselves to de-stigmatize this disease.
If you or your family have been impacted by addiction in some way or you are wondering how to start a conversation about addiction with a loved one, we are here to support you. We encourage you to attend our upcoming community event at JFCS, Compassionate Concern: Talking to Your Loved One About Addiction, from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14.
For more information and to register, please visit this website. There are low- and no-cost options available. We do not want cost to be a barrier to attendance.
If you are looking to read more about the complicated connections and stigma surrounding addiction, mental illness and violence, see the following articles:
Reiner family tragedy sheds light on pain of families grappling with addiction
Mental health, addiction, and stigma in the wake of a Hollywood tragedy
Mental illness and violence: Debunking myths, addressing realities