How Media Shapes Our Views on Addiction

Media plays a big role in how we see people with substance use disorders (SUDs). It can shape our opinions and even create harmful stereotypes. This is why it's important to look at how media portrays addiction and its effects on society. A recent study dug into how different types of media show people with SUDs. They found eight common themes in these portrayals. One theme was positive endorsement, where addiction is shown in a good light. But there were also negative themes like violent or dangerous, criminal, and risky behaviors. These themes appeared in entertainment, social, news, and marketing media. The study also looked at how skin color intersects with these portrayals. It found that media often reinforces negative stereotypes about people with SUDs. This can make it harder for them to get treatment and care. To change this, the study suggests that we need better communication strategies. These strategies should aim to reduce stigma and educate the public about addiction. It's not just about raising awareness, but also about changing how we talk about and see addiction. The study used a scoping review approach, looking at 58 unique peer-reviewed articles. After removing duplicates and articles that didn't meet their criteria, they analyzed 16 articles. This shows that there's a lot of research out there, but more needs to be done to change how media portrays addiction. In the end, the study calls for collaboration between patients, addiction experts, and science communicators. Together, they can create effective campaigns to counter negative media portrayals and promote understanding and empathy.