Table 3.

Number of participants reporting each frequency, stigma source, coping strategy, stigma-reduction strategy, and message for the public (n = 18).

Frequency of stigma experiences
Never	4
Rarely	2
Sometimes	6
Often	4
Daily	2
Sources of stigma
Friends	10
Health care workers	8
Family	6
Community members	6
Employers/coworkers	3
Coping strategies
Concealment	11
Avoidance	10
Confrontation/education	9
Suggested strategies for reducing stigma
Public awareness campaigns	13
Education of health care workers	8
Inviting family to clinic appointments	5
Community meetings	2
Messages for the public
Don’t judge those on methadone treatment without getting to know them first	7
Methadone is extremely helpful for many people; it saves lives	5
Plea to the public to educate themselves about methadone treatment	4
No message	2
Stay away from methadone treatment	1