Exploring the public stigma of substance use disorder through community-based participatory research

Background: In their 2016 report, the National Academy of Sciences identified that the existing literature on the stigma of substance use disorder (SUD) is sparse compared to the stigma of mental illness. Methods: This study utilizes a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination of SUD from the perspectives of important stakeholders such as current users, former users, family members, and service providers. Results: Findings from twelve focus groups (n = 99) revealed a total of 66 stigma themes. Stereotype themes for people with SUD included dangerous, self-destructive, and no job potential. Themes for prejudice included fear, pity, confusion, and indifference. Themes for discrimination included avoidance, being suspicious, and drug testing. Conclusion: Thematic analyzes revealed that the stigma of SUD shares similarities with the stigma of mental illness, but important differences exist. Among these differences are criminal stereotypes, subtle prejudice such as curiosity, and discrimination through drug testing. Implications for future research are discussed.