Stigma
Stigma can be defined as a negative labeling or identification of shame surrounding a circumstance. Unfortunately, the stigma linked with opioid use disorder is rampant. There are many ways to reduce or eliminate stigma altogether. Please use the resources below to help you on your path to reducing stigma.
Government Resources
Stigma and Discrimination Research Toolkit
The toolkit is a compilation of evidence, education and resources related to stigma.
Stigma Reduction
A snapshot of the CDC’s case studies on stigma reduction.
Stigma Reduction
CDC case studies on stigma reduction.
Stigma Reduction
CDC webpage on understanding addiction to support recovery.
Reducing Stigma: Understanding Addiction and Supporting Recovery
A CDC flier with information about reducing stigma, understanding addiction and supporting recovery. It highlights the importance of using non-stigmatizing language and avoiding stereotyping when referring to individuals with substance use disorders.
Effective Communication in Treating Substance Use Disorders
A training module that emphasizes the importance of using clear and non-stigmatizing language when discussing opioid use and overdose risk with patients.
Remove Stigma: Talk with Your Patients About Substance Use Disorder
A conversation starter for clinicians – Remove Stigma: Talk with Your Patients About Substance Use Disorder (printable version)
Remove Stigma: Talk with Your Patients About Substance Use Disorder
A conversation starter with suggestions for health care providers on language that is respectful, non-judgmental, and free from stigmatizing language. Learn about the importance of acknowledging the chronic nature of opioid use disorder as a medical condition and emphasizing that it is treatable.
Reducing Stigma Surrounding Naloxone
A CDC article that explains the importance of reducing the stigma around opioid use disorder and the use of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Now Is the Time to Stop Drug Overdose Deaths
Learn about the importance of overdose prevention campaigns in addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States
CDC’s Efforts to Prevent Overdoses and Substance Use-Related Harms
The CDC’s plan for preventing drug overdoses in the United States from 2022 to 2024. It outlines strategies for addressing the ongoing overdose epidemic.
Overdose Prevention
A CDC website with information on several overdose prevention strategies, including reducing the supply of prescription opioids, improving prescribing practices, increasing access to addiction treatment and recovery services, providing naloxone to people at risk of overdose, and enhancing surveillance and monitoring of overdose trends.
Videos
Stigma Kills - Addressing Opioid Use Disorder By Changing Culture
Richard Bottner, PA-C, defines stigma and lists the many types of stigma, such as social stigma, structural stigma and self-stigma. He also discusses understanding the impact of stigma within the hospital walls.
Opioid Addiction: A Crisis Fueled by Stigma
A panel discussion with doctors and opioid-use disorder professionals on how to understand and overcome the stigma that stands between those suffering from addictions such as opioid-use disorder and the road to treatment and recovery.
Fighting the Stigma of Opioid Addiction With Stories Of Recovery
Watch this video to learn about the stigma surrounding opioid addiction and how it can hinder recovery efforts.
Stigma and Discrimination in the Language of Addiction
Dr. Kenneth Tupper advocates for a more humane and empathetic approach to addiction and for reducing the stigma and discrimination that can make recovery more difficult.
Words Matter: Reducing Stigma Surrounding Substance Use Disorder
Learn how choosing our words carefully can make a difference and decrease stigma. This video highlights the words we shouldn’t use and recommends more appropriate words when discussing a patient.
Words Matter
Labels such as "addict" or "junkie" can be dehumanizing and contribute to the shame and isolation that many people with addiction feel. Watch this video to learn about using person-first language, such as "person with a substance use disorder" or "person in recovery."
Trust, Stigma and Patient Care
Watch this video to learn strategies to reduce stigma towards people with addiction, including using non-stigmatizing language, recognizing the underlying causes of addiction—such as chronic pain and trauma—and promoting evidence-based treatments and harm reduction strategies.
Addiction as a Disease
The video offers several strategies to reduce stigma towards people with addiction, including using non-stigmatizing language, promoting evidence-based treatments and harm reduction strategies, and educating the public about addiction as a chronic brain disease.
Podcasts
Changing the Way We Approach Opioid Use Disorder by Advancing Health
Learn strategies to shift our approach to opioid use disorder, including promoting evidence-based treatments, increasing access to harm reduction strategies, and addressing the underlying social determinants of health that contribute to addiction.
Addressing the Stigma Surrounding Opioid Addiction
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support and education in reducing stigma and improving outcomes for people with opioid addiction.
5 Pearls on Stigma in Opioid Use Disorder
The podcast offers five pearls of wisdom to help health care providers reduce stigma towards people with opioid use disorder, including recognizing that addiction is a chronic brain disease, using non-stigmatizing language, and advocating for policies that support people with opioid use disorder.
Stigma Initiatives and Non-Profit Resources
Stamp Out Stigma
Stamp Out Stigma is an initiative to reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization that works to end the stigma of addiction and promote evidence-based prevention, treatment and recovery strategies. Shatterproof brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including health care providers, public health officials, researchers, policymakers and people with lived experience of addiction, to develop and implement comprehensive solutions to the addiction crisis.
When it Comes to Stigma and Opioids, How You Got Started May Matter
The article explains that stigma towards people who use opioids is widespread and can take many forms, including negative attitudes and beliefs, discriminatory policies and media portrayals that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
National Opioid Action Coalition
NOAC's initiatives include promoting evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies, increasing access to naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and supporting policies and legislation that address the root causes of the opioid epidemic.
Language Matters to the American Medical Association
This guide emphasizes the importance of using non-stigmatizing language to reduce the negative impact of stigma on individuals with SUD and to promote better outcomes for those seeking treatment. It also offers guidance on addressing implicit bias and promoting cultural competence in healthcare settings.
Language Matters
This guide emphasizes the importance of using non-stigmatizing language in health care settings to promote effective communication and reduce the negative impact of stigma on individuals with OUD. It also offers guidance on addressing implicit bias and promoting cultural competence in health care settings.
Shine a Light on Stigma
Information on stigma, substance use disorders, and the option to take a pledge to use person-centered language.
Journal Articles
The Impact of Stigma on People with Opioid Use Disorder, Opioid Treatment, and Policy
This narrative review discusses how opioid-related stigma impacts treatment provision and harm reduction and provides potential strategies to reduce stigma at a social and structural level.
Stigma as a Fundamental Hindrance to the United States Opioid Overdose Crisis Response
The authors of this journal developed a typology of the stigma related to opioid use, showing how multiple dimensions of stigma continue to fundamentally hinder the response to the crisis.
Effect of Exposure to Visual Campaigns and Narrative Vignettes on Addiction Stigma Among Health Care Professionals: A Randomized Clinical Trial
The findings of this randomized clinical trial suggest that carefully designed communication campaigns may reduce OUD-related stigma among health care professionals.
Addressing Bias and Stigma in the Language We Use With Persons With Opioid Use Disorder: A Narrative Review
This journal discusses how health care professionals, nursing in particular, should assume an intentional stance against stigma perpetuated toward persons with OUD through advocacy in education, practice, policy and the media.
The Role of Misinformation and Stigma in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Uptake: Substance Use & Misuse
This journal discusses the role of social media, education, and the community in mitigating misinformation and addressing misconceptions about opioids and treatment options.