Stigma
What is Stigma?
Stigma takes the form of negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards a group of people because of their situation in life. This looks like labelling, stereotyping or discrimination. Stigma is most apparent in the language people use, especially when it comes to people who use substances. Stigma isolates people who use substances or have substance use disorders. It is also one of the biggest barriers to recovery for people dealing with substance use disorder.
It is important to remember that addiction is not a choice, but a treatable medical condition. Stigma comes from fear or misunderstanding around substance use. To overcome stigma towards people who use substances, it is essential to know the different types of stigmas related to substance use, how stigma affects individuals as well as their families and friends, and how to change the language we use when talking to or about people who use substances.
What are the different types of Stigmas related to Substance Use?
Self-Stigma
- Internalizing negative messages about people who use drugs (PWUD) and applying them to oneself.
- Leads to low self-esteem and/or feelings of shame.
- Can prevent individuals from accessing support due to fear of judgement and/or discrimination.
- Can lead individuals to hide their drug use and/or use drugs alone.
Social Stigma
- Negative attitudes towards PWUD or towards their family and friends.
- Negative messaging in the media or in conversation
- Talking about addiction like it’s a choice.
- Judgment and discrimination from others can lead to self-stigma.
Structural Stigma
- Health and social services policies can increase stigma (i.e., withholding services until drug use is managed)
- Healthcare providers and/or first responders do not take PWUD seriously.
- Workplace polices that unintentionally harm, force individuals to hide drug use, and/or prevent PWUD from seeking treatment or support (i.e., mandatory drug testing).
- Not connecting PWUD with health and social service supports because of their drug use and/or lower quality of care for PWUD.
- Judgment and discrimination from others can lead to self-stigma.
Language Matters
Stigmatizing Language and Alternatives
|
Instead of… |
Use… |
|---|---|
|
“Addict” |
Person with a substance use disorder |
|
“Junkie” |
Person in active use |
|
“Drunk” |
Person with alcohol use disorder |
|
“Former addict” |
Person in recovery |
|
“Drug habit” |
Substance use disorder |
|
“Clean” or “Dirty” |
Testing negative or positive |
|
“Abuse” |
Use (for illegal substances) |
End Stigma. Start a Conversation.
Stigma can make it harder for people to talk about their issues, ask for help, or seek treatment. We can change that by choosing our words carefully, listening without judgment, sharing accurate information, and reminding people that substance use issues are treatable, treatment is available in Marin and that recovery is possible.
Why does stigma matter?
For people affected by substance use disorders and addiction, stigma can lead to shame and isolation, and it can also impact the quality of care they receive, if and when they do get help.
Stigma can be a barrier for families to talk openly and can prevent loved ones from reaching out to find care.
Stigma toward people with substance use disorder can be seen at all levels of care within health care settings. Unconscious bias can negatively influence a provider’s treatment if they assume a patient is drug seeking rather than trying to find help.
Stigma can come from other people, institutions, media, healthcare settings, and from the way some people begin to see themselves. Stigma may be felt in the workplace when a colleague who has been absent for addiction treatment is not welcomed back in the same way in which others are celebrated after overcoming a health challenge. Public stigma includes negative attitudes towards specific groups of people among the general public that can prevent barriers to effective policies and programs.
Reducing stigma can help reduce barriers preventing equity in access to care, finding treatment, supporting recovery, creating a sense of safety, and building community connections.
Anti-Stigma Resources
Understanding Stigma
For Healthcare Professionals: Reducing the Stigma of Addiction – Johns Hopkins Medicine
For Organizations & Communities: Stigma Reduction – CDC
For Individuals & Families: Remove the Stigma – Overdose Lifeline
Language & Communication
For Healthcare Professionals: Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
For Pharmacists: A Guide for Pharmacy Staff Superhero Pharmacy Initiative
For Organizations & Community: Language Matters Revised
For Individuals & Families: Stigma and Why Words Matter Card
CDC Podcast: Reducing Stigma—Understanding Addiction to Support Recovery
Listen to a conversation about addiction, stigma, and ways to better support people experiencing substance use disorder.
Voices of Marin
Voices of Marin is an anti-stigma social media campaign launched in 2025 featuring local Marin residents and professionals sharing their lived experiences to reduce stigma, shame, bias, and barriers so that those who have challenges with substance issues can find hope and help.