Imlisongla Longkumer Imlibenla
Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Christian Institute of Health Sciences
Meriema, Nagaland and Research (CIHSR)
Dimapur, Nagaland.
Self-stigma is high among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Its presence in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) alone is not well explored. An exploratory study was carried out to examine self-stigma in persons with AUD and its relationships with various psychosocial factors. Sample included 40 persons with AUD accessing treatment under a health care facility. Self-report measures were used to assess self-stigma, psychological distress, loneliness, perceived social support, daily prayer and socio-demographic factors. Data set met assumptions for normality and so Pearson correlation was applied for bivariate correlation and t test and ANOVA for comparison of means. Results showed high levels of self-stigma in the study sample. Self-stigma in AUD was found to have a significant positive correlation with psychological distress and loneliness and a significant negative correlation with perceived social support. Prayer and years of alcohol use were found to have significant effects on self-stigma , particularly on the values disengagement component. Age, gender, education, employment and marital status did not have significant relationship with self-stigma in AUD.