ORN Training – Barrier to Care: Substance Use Disorder Stigma-Slides

Slides

Pdf Summary

The provided document discusses the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and its impact on health care and recovery efforts. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports initiatives like the Opioid Response Network (ORN), which assists communities in addressing the opioid crisis through technical assistance and education.<br /><br />The document highlights the negative beliefs and discrimination faced by those with SUDs, often labeled as morally weak or personally responsible for their conditions. This stigma can lead to avoidance of seeking medical help, misdiagnosis, and reduced treatment efficacy as healthcare providers may hold implicit biases against patients with addiction.<br /><br />The text suggests de-stigmatization strategies which include using person-first language, promoting education campaigns to reframe addiction as a treatable medical condition rather than a moral failing, and increasing exposure to stories of recovery. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatments, such as medication-assisted treatment, and aligns addiction treatment with chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma.<br /><br />The document explores how stigma can lead to barriers in accessing jobs, housing, and treatment services, while it also deters public support and maintains restrictive policies. It advocates for the integration of recovery stories in educational settings to combat stigma and encourages employing peer support specialists to build trust and enhance treatment resources.<br /><br />It concludes that recognizing substance use disorder as a medical issue can likely increase engagement in recovery services and that using motivational interviewing techniques can facilitate empathetic conversations about substance use without judgment. The overarching message is that recovery is possible and should be approached with compassion and evidence-based support, aiming to diminish stigma and improve outcomes for those affected by substance use disorders.

Keywords

Substance Use Disorders

stigma

health care

recovery

Opioid Response Network

SAMHSA

education campaigns

person-first language

medication-assisted treatment

peer support specialists