Estimating Addiction Knowledge and Stigma in America with Dr. Valerie Earnshaw

https://youtu.be/iUwjHjJfhd8

Despite growing awareness of addiction, important knowledge gaps remain that can influence how people respond to and treat people who are impacted by substance use disorders. Misconceptions about addiction can influence how people respond to those who are struggling, shaping everything from personal interactions to support for policies that expand access to care. Better understanding public attitudes toward addiction is an important step in reducing stigma and improving recovery outcomes.

In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. Valerie Earnshaw, Professor at the University of Delaware, shares the findings from a study conducted by the Addiction Policy Forum and Gallup, with findings published in the Addiction Stigma in America report and the Journal of Addiction Medicine. The findings show that while most U.S. adults recognize addiction as a health condition, nearly one in four either disagree or are unsure, highlighting important opportunities for public education. Dr. Earnshaw discusses these findings and explores what Americans know about addiction, how knowledge influences confidence in responding to addiction, and the relationship between public understanding, stigma, and support for evidence-based treatment and recovery policies.

The conversation underscores the powerful role that knowledge plays in shaping attitudes toward addiction and recovery. Dr. Earnshaw explains that people with less knowledge about addiction are less likely to know how to help someone experiencing addiction, are more likely to hold stigmatizing beliefs about people in recovery, and are less supportive of evidence-based policies. As communities continue working to address addiction, these findings suggest that expanding public understanding may help reduce stigma, strengthen support for recovery, and improve access to effective care.