ORN Spring 2022 #4 - Case Studies and QandA: Drugs, Stigma, and Health-Event Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Robin Polini discussed the topic of stigma as it relates to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in a webinar on drug stigma and health. She emphasized the different types of stigma, including individual, institutional, self, and stigma through association. Dr. Polini highlighted the institutional stigma surrounding MOUD, such as the strict regulations on methadone and the prescribing requirements for buprenorphine. She also touched on the societal preference for abstinence-based treatment and the limited access to MOUD despite its effectiveness.<br /><br />Dr. Polini discussed the impact of stigma on access to MOUD and patient outcomes. Stigma can result in inadequate funding and support for MOUD, limited access to treatment, delayed or avoided treatment choices, and discontinuation of treatment. She also addressed the stigma associated with medications for opioid use disorder and how it can deter people from participating in 12-step programs, residential treatment, and sober living.<br /><br />Dr. Polini highlighted the need for systemic changes to address stigma, such as regulatory changes to increase access to MOUD, improved training for healthcare professionals, public education campaigns, and federal and state leadership to support and promote MOUD. She also emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from abstinence to keeping people alive and providing them with a good quality of life.<br /><br />Overall, Dr. Polini emphasized the harmful effects of stigma on individuals with substance use disorder and the need for comprehensive efforts to address and reduce stigma in order to improve access to treatment and support recovery.

Keywords

stigma

MOUD

institutional stigma

limited access

patient outcomes

medications for opioid use disorder

deterrence

systemic changes

substance use disorder