Episode 3: Stigma - A National Public Health Crisis

In this episode titled "Stigma: A National Public Health Crisis,," we take a look at the impact of stigma on those with opioid use disorders.

 Stigma is defined as "a degrading and debasing attitude of the society that discredits a person or a group because of an attribute… Stigma destroys a person’s dignity; marginalizes affected individuals; violates basic human rights; markedly diminishes the chances of a stigmatized person achieving their full potential, and seriously hampers pursuit of happiness and contentment."

 This episode focuses on the barriers that exist for people with opioid use disorders, including stigma, language, and other barriers such as transportation, housing, and insurance that prevent people from getting on the path to recovery. We also explore how these barriers impact MOUD programs and what methods can be used to help overcome them.

By discussing the impact of stigma on individuals with opioid use disorders, we hope to identify ways to reduce stigmatization and create more equitable outcomes for those affected by the crisis.