What is Stigma?
Understand the barriers that can stand in the way of life-saving treatment.
Reducing Stigma Begins With
Understanding What it Means.
Stigma is the negative judgement or prejudice against individuals or groups due to particular characteristics. When it comes to substance use disorder, stigma has been shown to be a barrier to treatment as it leads to shame, social isolation and discrimination in areas like finding a job or a home.
FACT
Nearly 9 out of 10
are not receiving care for substance use disorders, which treatable are medical conditions, according to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
This treatment gap isn't just about numbers - it represents millions of people suffering in silence, families in crisis, and communities affected by preventable overdoses and other consequences. Stigma is a major factor keeping people from getting the help they need.
Stigma involves negative attitudes and beliefs that lead to discrimination and social exclusion. It happens at three levels: structural stigma includes unfair laws and policies; public stigma is the negative stereotypes people have in communities; and self-stigma is when people blame and shame themselves, making it even harder to ask for help.
3 Forms of Stigma
Structural
Laws, policies, and practices that create barriers
Public
Stereotypes and prejudice in communities
Self
Internalized shame that prevents help-seeking
Understanding the reality of substance use disorder and addiction helps us respond with compassion instead of judgment.
WHAT IS
Substance Use Disorder?
Key Facts
- More than 48 million Americans aged 12 and older have experienced SUD
- Only 12.3% of people with SUD received treatment
- SUD involves complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, environment, and life experiences
- Like other chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease), SUD requires ongoing management
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines substance use disorder (SUD) as a treatable, chronic medical condition that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their substance use. Symptoms can be mild to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD.
THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL
No single thing
causes addiction.
No single thing causes addiction. That is why the biopsychosocial model was developed. It explains how addiction develops when someone faces a combination of biological vulnerabilities (like genetics), psychological challenges (like trauma or mental health struggles), and social circumstances (like their environment or relationships).
The more of these factors someone has, the higher their risk. This explains why addiction can happen to anyone and why it's not about willpower or character - it's about how these different forces interact in someone's life.
Myths vs. Reality
Language Matters
The language we choose matters deeply in reducing stigma and creating pathways to healing. When we use person-first language, we acknowledge that addiction is something a person experiences, not who they are at their core.
Our words shape how we think, how we treat others, and how people see themselves. When we choose language that preserves dignity, we create environments where people feel safe seeking help instead of hiding in shame.
Every person deserves to be seen as whole, complex, and worthy of compassion—regardless of their struggles with substances.
Say This
Person with substance use disorder or person
who uses drugs
Not That
Addict, Junkie, User, Substance Abuser
Person in recovery
Recovering addict, former addict
Substance use for illicit drugs and substance misuse for prescription medications
Substance abuse
Substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, addiction
Drug habit
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) or opioid agonist therapy
Opioid substitution or replacement therapy
Testing negative for drugs or testing positive for drugs
Clean or Dirty (test results)