The Impact of Stigma on Treatment Services for People With Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Perspectives of NECPAM Members

Abstract

Stigma is a mark of shame, disgrace, or disapproval which results in an individual being rejected,
\ndiscriminated against, and excluded fromsociety (1). Stigma toward individuals with substance use
\ndisorders (SUDs) affects the emotional, mental, and physical health of individuals (2). People with
\nSUD are often viewed as unpredictable, dangerous, and morally responsible for their condition
\n(2). These prejudiced and discriminatory views of the community may lead to reduced access to
\ncare, inability to make decisions regarding treatment, and forced or coerced treatment (2). Further,
\nstigma negatively affects the policies and programs intended for the management of substance use
\nand other addictive disorders (2). Moreover, people with addictive disorders may develop selfstigma
\ninfluencing their behavior, including decreased use of healthcare services with consequent
\npoorer health outcomes (3). Internalized stigma and self-stigma have been linked to increases in
\npsychological distress and poorer quality of life (4, 5). People with substance use disorders (SUDs),
\nin particular, may face significant stigmatization by healthcare practitioners (6). Of significant
\nconcern during the COVID-19 pandemic is that people with addictive disorders and concurrent
\nCOVID-19 may not be provided with adequate care (7). Therefore, people with SUDs may be
\nexperiencing increased stigmatization in different countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. This
\nexacerbated stigma and discrimination toward people with SUDs may lead to inadequate care or
\npoor attention from clinicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders.