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What is Stigma?
 Stigma is negative attitudes or discrimination against someone based on a distinguishing characteristic such as mental illness, substance use, or a disability. 


Why does Stigma matter? 
Research shows that stigma is one of the leading risk factors that contributes to poor mental health and substance use disorder outcomes.

             
How does stigma affect people with SUD?
  • Feeling stigmatized can reduce the willingness of individuals with SUD to seek treatment

  • Stigmatizing views of people with SUD are common; this stereotyping can lead others to feel pity, fear, anger, and a desire for social distance from people with an SUD.

  • Stigmatizing terms can negatively influence health care provider perceptions of people with SUD, which can impact the care they provide

What can I do?

Language is powerful, and how we talk about substance use disorders can impact those around us. You can help reduce stigma by making simple changes to the words you use!

Language is powerful, and how we talk about substance use disorders can impact those around us. You can help reduce stigma by making simple changes to the words you use!
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