Stigma Series
Part 2: Debunking the Myths Around Addiction
Jessica Hulsey, BA

October 12, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Substance use disorders (SUD) are some of the most highly stigmatized health conditions worldwide, and stigma creates barriers to early intervention, screening, treatment, and effective recovery. Addressing addiction like a disease instead of a moral failing requires shifts in practice as well as understanding. There is also a significant body of research defining the most effective treatments for substance use disorder (SUD). Yet many myths persist about the nature of addiction and the right ways to treat it. These myths remain due to various factors, most of which are rooted in deep-set cultural notions of addiction that fail to consider the science behind the disorder. These myths are uniquely harmful as they are often “assumed” to be true and thus considered by some to be self-evident. In this two-part presentation, participants will learn about addiction myths and misinformation, including the myth of ”28 days," the myth of replacing one drug for another, and the myth of “rock bottom”.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Learn about common myths and misconceptions about addiction and how to dispel them
• Understand common myths around Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
• Understand that addiction is a chronic relapsing disease and how to change the messaging in community.

PRESENTER

Jessica Hulsey, BA is the Executive Director of the Addiction Policy Forum, a national nonprofit organization that leads the fight against the deadly consequences of addiction and helps patients, families, and communities affected by the disease. Jessica has more than 25 years of experience in the field of prevention, treatment, and policy solutions to address substance use disorders and has collaborated with our nation’s top scientists to translate the science of addiction into digestible content for patients, families, and other key audiences.