From Within and Beyond: A Comparative Study of Self and Affiliate Stigma in Alcohol Use Disorder

Addict Health. 2026 Jan;18:1686. doi: 10.34172/ahj.1686. Epub 2026 Jun 20.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a widespread medical condition that impacts individuals globally, with significant social, psychological, and health consequences. Both self-stigma and affiliate stigma have been identified as major barriers to treatment and recovery. This study compared levels of self-stigma and affiliate stigma among individuals attending De-addiction centres and those participating in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, comparative study utilizing purposive sampling involving 50 dyads of individuals recovering from alcohol dependence and their family members was conducted. Data were collected using standardized scales for self-stigma (Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale) and affiliate stigma (Affiliate Stigma Scale). Appropriate statistical tests were applied.

FINDINGS: The results indicate that self-stigma levels were similar across both groups, while affiliate stigma was significantly lower among family members of AA participants. Factors such as age, education, and employment status were found to influence stigma in both groups, with education and employment linked to lower stigma.

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the persistence of self-stigma despite abstinence and the potential stigma-buffering effect of AA’s community-based support model for families. Stigma-reduction strategies such as integrating AA-style peer models into formal treatment, offering family counselling in De-addiction Centres, and launching culturally sensitive public awareness campaigns may improve recovery outcomes.

PMID:42898465 | PMC:PMC13678061 | DOI:10.34172/ahj.1686