Understanding Addiction Stigma with Jessica Hulsey

Despite decades of research and growing public awareness about substance use disorders (SUDs), stigma continues to affect how people are treated, whether they seek help, and how communities respond to addiction. Stigma occurs when people are viewed as different, less worthy, or defined by their illness, leading to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Stigma can discourage people from accessing treatment, create barriers to recovery, and contribute to discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare, and the criminal legal system.

In this Ask the Expert video, Jessica Hulsey, Founder and Executive Director of Addiction Policy Forum, discusses the impact of addiction stigma and why reducing it is essential to improving prevention, treatment, and recovery outcomes. Jessica also highlights how stigma can have long-lasting consequences, with challenges persisting long after someone enters recovery, limiting opportunities and reinforcing feelings of shame and isolation.

By increasing awareness, using person-centered language, sharing recovery stories, and addressing policies that create barriers for people affected by addiction, communities can help ensure that more individuals receive the support, treatment, and opportunities they need to recover and thrive.

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