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Get the Facts

It's time to embrace language that reflects dignity, understanding, and hope. Help us eliminate the stigma that surrounds substances by staying informed. Change begins with understanding.

Defining the Disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable medical condition. It is described as a pattern of substance use that leads to cravings, dependence, and continued use despite harmful consequences and disruptions to daily life. SUD can vary in severity and affects individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, income level, or social class. For many, ongoing care is key to maintaining recovery from SUD.

What is Stigma?

SUD stigma takes the form of negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes, leading to real harm for people affected by substance use.

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  • Stigma keeps many people with SUD from seeking treatment.

  • Stigma makes it harder for hospitals and healthcare providers to offer support to people who ask for help. It can lead to fewer resources and discriminatory policies that limit access to care.

  • Stigma fuels a feeling of shame that can be a barrier to overall health and wellness. 

 

What are Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)?

MOUD are the gold standard of care for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). They are a safe and regulated treatment pathway that help people with OUD manage their condition and maintain their recovery.

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MOUD helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing people to stay engaged in care and build stability over time.​ It is available in a range of settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and many primary care offices.

Types of SUD Stigma

Public Stigma:

Public stigma is society's negative attitudes toward a group of people, creating an environment where people feel unwelcomed, judged, and blamed.

Only 52% of North Carolinians are willing to have someone with opioid use disorder (OUD) as a close friend.

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Structural Stigma:

Structural stigma includes systems-level discrimination caused by institutional policies and/or dominant cultural norms.

Over 90% of North Carolinians believe employers should provide opportunities for a person with SUD to seek treatment and stay employed.

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Self-Stigma:

Self-stigma happens when people internalize society’s stereotypes and experience low self-esteem.

46% of North Carolinians with SUD express feeling ashamed of themselves. 

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Stigma Against MOUD:

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an effective, clinically proven treatment that helps people in their recovery. People recover differently – one way people recover is with MOUD.

68% of North Carolinians believe that MOUD is an effective treatment for OUD.

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Ways You Can Help

Recovery from SUD is in reach for anyone, but judgment and punishment are not effective ways to support someone on their path to healing. Instead, we must encourage understanding, educate our communities, and promote acceptance. Here’s how you can help. 

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  • Use person-first language. Person-first language emphasizes the individuality and dignity of someone, putting the person before the diagnosis. It’s important to be intentional about the words we use when talking about SUD. Empower with words. To learn more, watch our Words Matter video and download a language guide.
     

  • Stay informed. We regularly host webinars on many topics related to SUD. View past recordings and sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any future learning opportunities. 
     

  • Be an ally. Provide support to your loved one by using a non-judgmental tone and approach.
     

  • Carry naloxone. Prepare yourself and your loved one by recognizing the signs of an overdose and learning how to use naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Carrying naloxone is important and can save a life.

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Index Report

  • The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index (SASI) is a measurement tool designed to set a baseline measure of substance use stigma. This tool measures public stigma, structural stigma, self-stigma, and stigma against medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
     

  • Unshame NC uses the SASI to carry out a baseline evaluation of North Carolinians’ beliefs and stigma levels before the campaign and again at regular intervals.
     

  • By evaluating stigma through the SASI, the Unshame NC team can determine where to focus campaign strategy and can measure the success of the initiative’s impact in reducing stigma at the end of the campaign period. 

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