Table 1.

Key recommendations for future directions to address stigma and substance use

Clinical Care

Promote resilience among people with stigmatized statuses to prevent development of substance use disorders

Develop, adapt, and apply evidence-based affirmative treatments for people with stigmatized statuses

Leverage acceptance and mindfulness approaches to address internalized stigma and promote positive treatment outcomes among people with substance use disorders

Provide support surrounding disclosure decisions and processes among people with substance use disorders

Research

Clarify experiences and impacts of stigma manifestations among people with substance use disorders over time

Use validated, theory-based measures whenever possible

Adapt the stigma-reduction toolbox to address substance use disorder stigma, and test stigma interventions in longitudinal, multilevel, and multicomponent studies

Investigate stigma-based bullying interventions to address stigma at early ages and prevent development of substance use disorders

Advocacy

Advocate for changes in structural stigma, including policies that criminalize people with substance use disorders and de-prioritize investments in substance use disorder treatment

Protest use of stigma to prevent and/or treat substance use disorders

Educate others about substance use and substance use disorders

Adopt stigma-free language in professional and social settings