Stigma continues to be one of the strongest negative influences on how we see and treat people with addiction. This four-part series, each approximately four to nine minutes in length, describes addiction as a chronic medical condition, offers strategies for combatting stigma, describes resources for treatment and discusses prevention strategies. While the intended audience is nursing assistants and caregivers for patients and residents in nursing homes, the material is relevant to everyone.

(return to the main Front Line Forces page)

What is Substance Use Disorder?

• Additional Resources:
  • The Science of Drug Use and Addition: The Basics, NIDA
  • What Does it Mean When We Call Addiction a Brain Disorder?, NIDA
  • NIDA for Teens

Combatting Stigma

• Additional Resources:
  • Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking about Addiction, NIDA
  • Addressing the Stigma that Surrounds Addiction, NIDA
  • #WorkInProgress | From addiction to the front lines of the opioid crisis – YouTube

Finding Help

• Additional Resources:
  • Finding Quality Treatment For Substance Use Disorders, SAMHSA
  • SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
  • Struggling with Addiction? Tips on Finding Quality Treatment, SAMHSA
  • SAMHSA Families Family Support Guide
  • SAMHSA Families Conversation Guide

Prevention

• Additional Resources:
  • Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents , NIDA
  • Take Back Day, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Lock Your Meds, National Family Partnership
  • Naloxone DrugFacts, NIDA
  • State Naloxone Access Rules and Resources, SAFE Project

Case Study

• Resource:
  • Shine a Light on Stigma