Two Biases I May Have Regarding Persons with a Substance Use Disorder
- Moral judgment: I may have a tendency to judge people with substance use disorders morally. I may believe that they are weak-willed, irresponsible, or bad people. This bias could affect my work/treatment by making it difficult for me to empathize with people with substance use disorders and to see them as human beings who are struggling with a complex illness.
- Fear: I may have a fear of people with substance use disorders. This fear could be based on stereotypes about people with substance use disorders being dangerous or unpredictable. This bias could affect my work/treatment by making me hesitant to interact with people with substance use disorders or to provide them with care.
How These Biases May Affect My Work/Treatment
My biases could affect my work/treatment in a number of ways. For example, I may be less likely to refer people with substance use disorders for specialized treatment or to provide them with the same level of care that I would provide to people with other illnesses. I may also be more likely to make assumptions about people with substance use disorders, such as assuming that they are not interested in recovery or that they are likely to relapse.
My biases could also damage my relationships with people with substance use disorders. If people with substance use disorders sense that I am judging them or that I am afraid of them, they may be less likely to trust me or to open up to me. This could make it more difficult for me to provide them with effective care.
What I Can Do to Address My Biases
The first step to addressing my biases is to become aware of them. I can do this by reflecting on my own attitudes and beliefs about people with substance use disorders. I can also talk to other people about my biases and get their feedback.
Once I am aware of my biases, I can start to challenge them. I can do this by learning more about substance use disorder and by talking to people with substance use disorders about their experiences. I can also try to expose myself to different perspectives on substance use disorder.
Finally, I can develop strategies to mitigate the impact of my biases on my work/treatment. For example, I can make a conscious effort to be more empathetic and understanding towards people with substance use disorders. I can also make sure that I am providing all of my patients with the same level of care, regardless of their substance use status.
Conclusion
It is important for me to be aware of my biases towards people with substance use disorder and to take steps to address them. By doing so, I can improve the quality of care that I provide to all of my patients.
