The relationship between substance use disorder, personality traits and stigma

Abstract

Substance use disorder is one of the most common problems in the mental health profession. A number of institutions have come up to deal with the problem including the government. The most common substances abused in Uganda include; alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, khat (mairunji) and heroin. The government has set up laws and regulations to manage the situation but the problem still remains. Another challenge faced is the stigma that is associated with people having substance disorder in the community and by healthcare providers. The prevalence of particular personality traits among people facing substance use disorder has not helped the situation. In particular, we are looking at personality traits from the ten major personality disorders. In many cases health care providers do not take time to understand the challenge of these particular personality traits among their patients. This research is meant to highlight the prevalence of these personality traits among people with substance use disorder. In addition, we will show that people with personality traits are faced with stigma in the communities the live in. It is important to understand the relationship between substance use disorder, personality traits and stigma in order to provide better care for the people faced with these challenges. This can also help the government pass better laws or better enforce the laws in already in play.