LAC Playbook

Fear, Shame & Stigma Objections

Addiction is deeply stigmatized. ~155 objections in our data.

Recognition Signals

  • "I don't want anyone to know"
  • "Would anyone find out?"
  • "I'm really worried about the facility being like a psychiatric hospital"
  • "What will people think?"
  • "I'm scared"
  • "I don't want to be locked up"

Understanding the Fear

Callers fear:

  • Judgment - Being seen as weak or flawed
  • Exposure - Others finding out
  • Loss of identity - "I'm not an addict"
  • Failure - What if it doesn't work?
  • The unknown - What actually happens in treatment?

Primary Response Scripts

Privacy Concerns

"I hear you. Privacy is a big concern for a lot of people. We're bound by HIPAA and federal confidentiality laws. Nobody finds out you're here unless you tell them."

Fear of the Unknown

"It's not like what you see in movies. It's a medical facility—comfortable rooms, good food, clinical staff. You're not locked in. You can leave if you want. Most people are surprised at how... normal it is."

Stigma Around Identity

"A lot of people I talk to feel the same way. Here's how I think about it: getting help isn't a sign of weakness—it's the opposite. It takes courage to make this call. The people who never ask for help are the ones who stay stuck."

Fear of Failure

"What if it doesn't work? That's a fair question. Here's what I know: the people who try have a chance. The people who don't try have zero chance. And if it takes more than one try, that's normal too. Most people's recovery isn't linear."

Normalizing Help-Seeking

"You'd go to a doctor for a broken leg, right? This is the same thing—it's a medical condition that needs medical treatment. There's no shame in that."

By Caller Type

For Self-Callers

  • Validate their courage in calling
  • Normalize the fear—everyone feels it
  • Focus on confidentiality and what to expect
  • Reframe treatment as strength, not weakness

For Loved Ones

  • Help them understand why the person is scared
  • Equip them to address fears in their conversation
  • Provide specific information they can share

What to AVOID

  • Dismissing fears ("You're overthinking this")
  • Pressuring ("You just need to do it")
  • Minimizing stigma ("Nobody cares anymore")
  • Making promises about outcomes