What is stigma?

Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person. Stigma is often applied to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and/or mental illness. Stigma means labeling, stereotyping and discrimination. One example is using disparaging or judgmental terms to refer to individuals with SUD and/or the treatments required to get healthy.

Stigma can be a major barrier preventing individuals from seeking treatment because of the shame individuals may feel related to their SUD. It is important to reduce stigma in our community so that everyone feels supported enough to access treatment and live their best life in recovery. We invite you to learn to be stigma free.

How can you help reduce stigma?

Here are 7 ways you can help reduce stigma in our community:

1. LEARN. Substance use disorders are complex medical conditions, and there’s always more to learn. Here are a few places to start:
   • Click here to learn more about substance use disorders.
   • Click here to learn more about co-occurring disorders.
2. TALK. Open, honest dialogue grows community-wide understanding. Using person-centered language goes a long way in reducing stigma.
3. LISTEN. Everyone’s experience with SUD is different, and everyone’s story matters. Listen to other’s stories without judgement.
4. SHARE. Do you have a SUD? If so, one way you can help reduce stigma is by sharing your story when you’re ready. It could help others.
5. REACH OUT. If you’re struggling with a substance use issue reach out for help. You’re not alone and help is available. Call Cuyahoga County’s 24-Hour Suicide Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis, Information & Diversion Center Referral Hotline: 216-623-6888 or 988.
6. SUPPORT. If you know someone who is struggling with substance use, be there to listen and support them in any way you can. This includes whatever path to recovery they choose to take, including medication assisted treatment (MAT). Learn more about reducing MAT stigma below.
7. ADVOCATE. We’ll be sharing these simple ways we can all help reduce stigma, support each other and reach out for help. Please follow @ADAMHSBoardCC on social and share our posts to help us reach more people in the community with these important messages.

Stigma Related to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a treatment for opioid use disorder that includes the use of medication such as methadone, naltrexone (Vivitrol) or buprenorphine (Suboxone) along with counseling and other supports to aid individuals in recovery.

MAT can be an effective way to overcome addiction to opioids. Behavioral therapy can be equally important as it helps people change their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, helps prevent relapse, and keeps people in recovery longer.

It’s important that individuals with SUD, their loved ones, provider and the community view MAT as one possible tool on the path to recovery. Whatever path individuals choose, support, encouragement and understanding are critical.

Learn more about MAT stigma on the CDC website.

Tour the Virtual Dispelling Stigma Gallery

This educational gallery by Project White Butterfly shares statistics, science and real-life stories to help reduce stigma and break the barriers of shame and judgment for all people touched by substance use disorder in our community. You can tour the gallery below. Please consider completing this pre-survey before touring the gallery and post-survey when you have finished.

Sources

• CDC
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• stigmafreecle.com