Self -Stigma and Depression among Patients with Substance Use Disorders: Role of Perceived Social Support

Background: Substance abuse is a significant global problem, and reports indicate that individuals suffering from substance use disorders (SUDs) exhibit elevated levels of self-stigma. Self-stigma is defined as the existence of unfavorable judgments, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs that can lead to depression and loss of self-worth. A social support network is a crucial component that needs to be taken into account to lessen the stigma and depression associated with SUDs. Aim: To evaluate the effect of perceived social support on self- stigma and depression among patients with SUDs. Design: A descriptive correlational design was utilized. Subjects: A purposive sample of 100 patients with substance use disorders. Study setting: Zagazig University Hospital outpatient clinic's addiction clinic, Zagazig City, Egypt.   Tools: Demographic and Addiction history of the patients with substance use disorders, Self-Stigma in Substance Abuse Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: The majority of the substance abusers had moderate levels of self-stigma, more than half of the participants suffered from severe depressive symptoms ,and slightly over half of the participants had low social support. Social support was negatively correlated with self- stigma(r = -0.503) and depression(r = -0.382).Social support , marital status, age and income significantly influence self-stigma. Conclusion: Social support significantly impacts self –stigma, and depression among patients with substance use disorders.  Recommendation: Psychosocial therapies aimed at enhancing their perception of support from friends and family could be beneficial in mitigating the detrimental consequences of self-stigma and depressive symptoms.