Get Involved
There are many actions we can take to help combat stigma in our state and support those who want to seek help.
Change our language and labels
Replace words like “addict” and “crazy” with “person with substance use disorder” or “person with a mental health condition.”
Learn about the issue
Education reduces stigma. Learn about the science of addiction; mental health and substance use disorders; the science of trauma; and treatment with medication.
Personal experiences
Positive interactions with people with stigmatized conditions can change attitudes. Invite people to share their story.
Review practices and policies
Review workplace and other policies and practices. Support policies that increase access to services, compliance with treatment, and overall health and well-being.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Listen with respect to individuals with behavioral health issues. Listen without judgment. Treat all people with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Avoid using hurtful labels. Challenge your own assumptions and stereotypes. We all have them.
Counter misinformation with evidence-based facts. Learn and share information about substance use disorders with friends, family, and coworkers.
Speak out against stigma. Speak out online and in person. Consider sharing your story.
Promote anti-stigma programs and policies in the workplace and community.
Bring the Breakthrough Addiction Campaign to Your Community!
Many health care providers may treat patients with mental health conditions and substance use disorders differently or hold lower expectations for their health outcomes. Providers play a critical role in reducing stigma. Using language that supports pro-health activities—regardless of whether a patient is actively experiencing symptoms or using substances—can reduce stigma.
- Report on substance use disorders and treatment in the same way you would other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer.
- Use person-first language – put the person first, and the disease second – “a person with substance use disorder.” Avoid using stigmatizing terms.
- Share solutions that exist. Many patients fully recover and go on to lead productive lives. Share accounts of how people are responding to effective evidence-based solutions.
- Humanize the condition – use language that humanizes and personalizes the condition and avoid using fear and blame tactics.
- Use reliable sources – identify potential biases in source materials and provide a variety of voices
- Communicate the many different pathways to recovery.
- Share the long-term view. Substance use disorder is a chronic disease and it can take years to recover.
- Be respectful – many families have experienced the loss of loved ones to substance use disorder. Be respectful in tone.