The Stigma

Because of shame, those suffering from the stigmatized disease of addiction may hide their drug use from family members and health care providers, which could delay the individual from seeking help.

People with addiction are often very lonely, because they are filled with shame. They isolate themselves from family and friends. It is so important to keep checking in: call, text, let them know that you care and that you are their friend. DO NOT give up on them.

Remember your support is invaluable.​ ​Be kind to people in vulnerable situations and know that even a smile can make a difference.

Treat people who suffer from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) with respect. Understand they are people struggling with a chronic disease, feeling hopeless, lost, lonely or depressed. Everyone deserves to feel loved and understood.

Being a true friend means being there for each other during both good and bad times. Friendship is easy through the good, but most important through the bad. 

Avoid hurtful names​ ​and labels.​ ​WORDS MATTER​.​

Learn about drug dependency and how quickly and severely drugs affect the brain.

Look at a person for who they are, not for what the chronic disease of addiction has done to them.

Stigma creates a barrier that prevents a person suffering from seeking help. Please help break the stigma associated with opioid addiction.  You CAN make a difference.

By educating yourself with evidence-based information, you can educate others and help replace negative attitudes with attitudes of understanding.