The impact of shaming on the re-integrative process of male problem drug users

Abstract

Shaming and negative community reactions to problem drug users may impede their process of desistance from drug use and lead them to relapse. The focus of this study is on how the emotional experience of shame impacts on the drug user`s attempt to stay abstinent from drugs. The study explores the role of shame in desisting from an addictive career and its impact on negotiating shame in an attempt to change the addictive lifestyle. A conceptual framework of symbolic interactionism is adopted. Six male ex problem drug users are interviewed in order to develop a constant comparative analysis about the influence of shame on self and desistance. The analysis reveals that stigma has an impact on the self and on the re-integrative process. Shame is negotiated in the attempt of changing lifestyle through a societal re-integrative approach and supportive social capital.