Stigma Reduction through Addiction and Naloxone Education

Decreasing stigma levels is critical for improving treatment access and outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). This research evaluated the effectiveness of an educational session for students in criminal justice and psychology on the science of drug addiction and naloxone use in improving attitudes toward addiction, comfort using naloxone, and reducing stigma. Students attended a three-hour session that included education about SUD and treatment, speakers in recovery, and naloxone training. Post-educational intervention surveys revealed greater acceptance of the disease model of addiction, knowledge, and comfort using naloxone and reduced stigma. Educating students before they enter mental health and criminal justice professions could help increase addiction knowledge and reduce stigma among these professional groups.