• Feeling stigmatized can reduce the willingness of individuals with SUD to seek treatment

• Stigmatizing views of people with SUD are common; this stereotyping can lead others to feel pity, fear, anger, and a desire for social distance from people with an SUD.

• Stigmatizing terms can negatively influence health care provider perceptions of people with SUD, which can impact the care they provide

What can I do?

Language is powerful, and how we talk about substance use disorders can impact those around us. You can help reduce stigma by making simple changes to the words you use!