Abstract
Substance-dependent individuals tend to be stigmatized. Internalizing that stigma may result in impairments to their adherence to treatment and social reintegration. This study analyzed stigma internalized by individuals in treatment for substance dependence and its relation to physical activity. Questionnaires on internalized stigma and physical activity were responded by 106 substance-dependent individuals. The data were treated by descriptive statistics and correlation analyzes. Internalized stigma was generally high, with higher scores for Alienation, Perception of Discrimination, and Social Avoidance. Significant inverse correlation was found between physical activity and internalized stigma, indicating that physical activity programs during rehabilitation may not only improve those individuals’ physical condition but also reduce the psychological damages imposed by substance dependency.
Keywords:
Substance-related disorders; Social stigma; Alcoholism; Exercise