Article
Stigma Reduction to Combat the Addiction Crisis — Developing an Evidence Base
Article in The New England Journal of Medicine by Emma E. McGinty, Ph.D., and Colleen L. Barry, Ph.D.
The article explains how to reduce negative attitudes in communication, especially about substance use disorders. It promotes using language that puts the person before their condition, focusing on treatment options, sharing stories of empathy, and shedding light on societal causes of addiction as ways to lessen stigma. Research suggests that comprehensive and unbiased communication can greatly change how people see addiction and create a more supportive environment for those dealing with it.
It is crucial to use careful communication strategies when talking about public perceptions of addiction. By challenging deep-rooted prejudices and understanding the societal foundations of addiction, we can make healthcare responses more inclusive and effective.
Here are our key takeaways from the article:
- Person-first language is crucial for reducing stigma around substance use.
- Public perception of addiction benefits from emphasizing treatment efficacy and overdose prevention solutions.
- Sympathetic narratives can decrease stigma if carefully crafted to avoid reinforcing other social stigmas.
- Societal causes of addiction should be prioritized over individual blame to avoid cognitive bias.
- Developing a strong, research-based evidence system is key for understanding what messages work best in reducing stigma.
- Stigma-reduction initiatives must be evaluated with pretests and longitudinal studies to adjust strategies and ensure effectiveness.
- Integration of stigma-reduction strategies within broader health care policies will deepen the impact on the addiction crisis.
- Effective communication campaigns should be tailored to target specific audiences, including the general public, medical professionals, and those in the criminal justice and child welfare sectors.
- Enhanced provider enthusiasm for treating patients with addiction can occur through stigma reduction, potentially improving patient care experiences and outcomes.
Excerpt
Stigma Reduction to Combat the Addiction Crisis — Developing an Evidence Base
From The New England Journal of Medicine by Emma E. McGinty, Ph.D., and Colleen L. Barry, Ph.D.
"Between 1999 and 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, and escalating rates of drug addiction have contributed to recent decreases in life expectancy. To address this crisis, we must combat the stigma attached to addiction. A large body of research indicates that this stigma is persistent, pervasive, and rooted in the belief that addiction is a personal choice reflecting a lack of willpower and a moral failing."
Get a Free Trial
InterAct offers virtual care solutions and referral solutions to treatment programs for extended care after in-patient treatment, family support programs and intensive outpatient services.
