| Popis: |
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are associated with high levels of stigma, which in turn is associated with numerous negative sequelae. There is theoretical reason to believe that one such effect of AUD stigma may be interference with problem recognition among those misusing alcohol, which may impact motivation to decrease use. The present study examined baseline levels of AUD stigma, as well as how AUD stigma influences problem recognition, among individuals with alcohol-related legal offenses. Data were drawn from a larger statewide program evaluation of Prime For Life, an indicated prevention program comprising part of New York?s mandatory Drinking Driver Program. Participants completed baseline and posttest self-report questionnaires. The Generalized Linear Model and Generalized Estimating Equations were used to analyze data from 189 participants meeting inclusion criteria for the present study. At baseline, mean perceived stigma was slightly above the neutral midpoint, with 54.5% of participants scoring above this point. Baseline perceived stigma was significantly higher among women, younger participants, and participants with a 4-year degree or more education. By contrast, baseline mean of personal stigma was well below the neutral midpoint, although a sizeable minority (20.6%) scored above this midpoint. Baseline personal stigma was higher among those with lower alcohol problem severity, those with fewer substance-related arrests, and women, although the latter two relationships emerged at statistical trend levels. There was significant variability in endorsement of different types of stigma, with blame-based stigma being particularly prominent. When accounting for specified covariates, neither perceived nor personal stigma significantly predicted alcohol problem recognition at baseline. However, excluding problem severity from the model, higher personal stigma significantly predicted lower problem recognition at baseline. With regard to longitudinal relationships between these constructs, neither baseline stigma (either personal or perceived) nor change in stigma (either personal or perceived) predicted change in problem recognition. These findings contribute to a growing literature on correlates of AUD stigma by examining the construct in a novel population. Additionally, while preliminary, results suggest the need to further examine how AUD stigma presents in individuals with impaired driving offenses, specifically with regard to its potential impact on problem recognition. |
