We must Stand Against Stigma to address the opioid and stimulant use disorder crisis.

Substance use disorders are treatable illnesses, not moral failings. The Opioid Response Network challenges you to confront stigma with easy, daily activity.

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Stigma is everywhere.

Research indicates that stigma is persistent, pervasive, and rooted in the belief that having a substance use disorder is a personal choice reflecting a lack of willpower or character flaw.

Stigma impacts everyone.

Negative stereotypes create barriers to seeking and accessing treatment, receiving quality healthcare, and maintaining employment and healthy personal relationships.

Combating stigma is essential.

We must act together to address this public health and public safety priority using the latest science and evidence-based approaches.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE

Commit to 21 days of daily activity to educate yourself, your organization and your community, and Stand Against Stigma.

Choose 1 resource each day from our Resources Library. Read, Listen or Watch, and learn how to combat stigma related to substance use disorders.

Share what you learn with others and ask them to join too!

Take action. Want to do more? Up the ante in your Stand Against Stigma and take action! Visit the Take Action page for ideas about what else you can do.

Read, Listen, Watch

Educate yourself with our library of resources.

View All Resources

Get Training. Share the Challenge.

It’s time to act.

Learn How To Take Action

Opioid Response Network
Justice/Correction Stakeholders Committee

The Opioid Response Network convened a stakeholders committee with national organizations across justice, corrections and medicine. These collaborating organizations came together under one important, shared belief: Building collaboration and sharing of information and knowledge across justice, corrections and healthcare systems to address the opioid and stimulant crisis is vital.

These stakeholders are identifying opportunities to share resources and coordinating efforts to reduce recidivism, keep communities safe and individuals healthy and productive. The Stand Against Stigma Challenge is an initiative of this committee.

Partner Organizations

  • American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
  • Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network at the University of Missouri – Kansas City
  • American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence
  • Cicatelli Associates Inc.
  • Columbia University Department of Psychiatry
  • Major County Sheriffs of America
  • National Center for State Courts
  • National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing
  • National Sheriffs’ Association
  • Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative
  • The National Judicial College

Collaborating Organizations

  • Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
  • American Probation and Parole Association
  • Brown University School of Public Health
  • National District Attorneys Association
see who took the challenge

About Us

The Opioid Response Network provides education and training in the prevention, treatment and recovery of opioid and stimulant use disorders at the local level and at no cost. The coalition is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and led by the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry working collaboratively with the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Columbia University Division on Substance Use Disorders and 40 national professional organizations.

Visit OpioidResponseNetwork.org.