Great Lakes PTTC Products: Preventing and Reducing Stigma

Crowd talking Multi Racial people

The Great Lakes PTTC is committed to preventing and reducing the pervasive stigma associated with having, treating, or being in recovery from a substance use disorder.

Our efforts include:

  • Disseminating research on the impact of stigma on populations and key community sectors
  • Presenting evidence-based and theoretically sounds stigma prevention or reduction strategies
  • Spreading the message that a substance use disorder is a chronic medical condition rather than a moral failing
  • Encouraging the use of non-stigmatizing language related to substance use disorders
  • Building awareness of anti-stigma initiatives at the community and state levels in the Great Lakes Region

Purpose of this Webpage

Preventing and Reducing Stigma contributes to national efforts to understand and change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that can lead to stigma and discrimination.

Changing stigma in a lasting way will require coordinated efforts based on the best possible evidence. This web page provides a place to learn about the impact of stigma on vulnerable populations and offers best practices for preventing and reducing stigma within relevant community sectors.
 

A Basic Definition

“Stigma can be understood as an attribute, behavior, or reputation that is socially discrediting, and substance-related problems appear to be particularly susceptible to stigma.” (John F. Kelly∗, Cassandra M. Westerhoff)

PTTC Language Matters

A Statement on Language

“How we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions and that use of, and exposure to, the “abuser” label may inadvertently elicit and perpetuate stigmatizing attitudes. Because such a low proportion of individuals with these costly and harmful conditions access treatment and cite stigma as a major barrier.”  (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2008)

Resources 

Great Lakes Region Campaigns

States in the Great Lakes Region are taking action to prevent and reduce stigma through a variety of statewide and large-scale initiatives.

Read about the Great Lakes Region Anti-Stigma Campaigns

Stigma Basics ven diagram

This recorded presentation from the Great Lakes PTTC gives an overview of stigma and its impact on people with mental health and substance use disorders.

Watch the Stigma Basics recorded presentation.

Language Matters

Research shows that using affirming language can help reduce the stigma associated with having, treating, or being in recovery from a substance use or mental health disorder. 

Click here to view resources on recommended alternative language. 

Great Lakes PTTC Products & Resources for Preventing & Reducing Stigma

View our growing inventory of recorded webinars, slide decks, and other training resources designed for education and outreach efforts to prevent and reduce stigma. Click here for more information.

Preventing and Reducing Stigma in Community Sectors

Empowerment and resilience are the key tools in efforts to address stigma in all community sectors.

Click here to read more about the impact of stigma and evidence-based strategies for addressing stigma in specific community sectors

Related Resources from across the TTC Programs

SAMHSA's Technology Transfer Center (TTC) program includes the ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.

Click here for information on selected products from across the TTC programs

Preventing and Reducing Stigma National Organizations

National organizations are working to prevent and reduce stigma. Click here to learn more.

Preventing and Reducing Stigma Research

A growing body of research documents the impact of stigma on health care, along with evidence-based practices for preventing and reducing stigma. Click here to read more

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Webinars

Preventing the Spread of Stigma Part 1, Changing Attitudes & Terminology

Preventing the Spread of Stigma Part 2, Statewide Anti-Stigma Campaigns  

Podcast Series: Spotlight on Stigma

Curriculum Packages:  Preventing and Reducing Stigma in Community Sectors

 

Stigma Basics

Use the following slide decks and associated materials in education and outreach efforts to prevent and reduce stigma in specific community sectors:

 

PTTC Network Products and Resources for Addressing Stigma

Search the PTTC Network Products and Resources Catalog for anti-stigma training products from across the PTTC Network.

 

ATT Network Products and Resources for Addressing Stigma

Search the ATTC Network Products and Resources Catalog for anti-stigma training products from across the ATTC Network.

Page updated: 12/01/2020

Copyright © 2024 Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network
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