An International Perspective on Stigma and Substance Use Disorders

This symposium will focus on the stigma surrounding substance use disorders (SUDs) from an international perspective. In addition to describing the problem as it exists across the world, presenters will discuss many of the consequences of stigma and a variety of initiatives to address the issue. From the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Anja Busse and colleagues will discuss how stigma can act as a barrier to access to care on multiple levels. Her presentation will include World Drug Report data as well as qualitative data concerning stigma from a study of individuals who have survived an overdose. Dr Christos Kouimtsidis from the Office of the National Coordinator for Drugs in Greece will talk about the impact of stigma around SUDs during COVID. In particular, he will address how stigma has interfered with access to treatment for general health conditions as well as addictions. In addition, he will address the impact of stigma on shelter and work opportunities during COVID. Dr. Atul Ambekar from the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre in New Delhi, India will address the stigma associated with SUDs in the South Asian context. In particular, he will address the influence of religion, culture and colonialism in shaping how addictive substances are viewed and the impact of stigma on availability of and access to treatment and welfare services. Dr. Kathleen Brady will discuss the US perspective on stigma and potential strategies to decrease the impact of stigma. She will summarize the points made by all speakers and engage the panel and attendees in discussion.