Reducing stigma toward medication for opioid use disorder through social work education, research, and practice. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pasman, Emily
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work practice in the addictions. Volume 22:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Buprenorphine -- medication for opioid use disorder -- methadone -- stigma -- treatment; Social work with drug addicts -- Periodicals; Social work with alcoholics -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Drug abuse counseling -- Periodicals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1080/1533256X.2022.2016339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-256X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A large body of research demonstrates the safety and efficacy of medication for opioid use disorder to reduce opioid misuse and related harms. However, stigma is a substantial barrier to broader use of these medications. This endpage reviews the impact of stigma toward medication for opioid use disorder on treatment access, uptake, retention, and outcomes. I then suggests areas for future research and social change. As one of the primary service providers for people with opioid use disorder, social workers should be at the forefront of efforts to destigmatize medication treatments. Social workers are well positioned to address the consequences of stigma toward medication for opioid use disorder through research, education, practice, and systems change.