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Training Materials

Opportunities for Change: An Analysis of Drug Use and Recovery Stigma in the U.S. Healthcare System

Posted 2/21/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)

The report provides key findings from the study assessing substance use and recovery stigma by healthcare workers, compared to non-healthcare workers. The stigma that is perceived by people who use drugs or are in recovery (PWUD/IR) was found to be a structural concern as a large population are opting out of going to the doctor, leaving them open to a variety of untreated illnesses. Embracing cultural change and removing the stigma that creates barriers and fractures the relationship between patients and the healthcare system is key.