learn more about stigma
Definition of Stigma:
Stigma around substance use disorders (SUDs) is one of the most powerful, and often invisible, barriers to help, recovery and long-term stability. At it's core...
Stigma is a set of negative beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions about a group of people that leads to judgment, labeling and discrimination.
When it comes to substance use, stigma often shows up as the belief that people are at fault for their condition, that it is a result of poor choices, lack of willpower, or a moral failing.
But substance use disorders are
chronic, treatable, health conditions,
NOT character flaws.
Why Stigma matters
Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to addressing substance use disorders.
People delay seeking help, often until their condition has become more severe
Families suffer in silence, afraid of judgment.
Individuals in recovery struggle to find employment and stable housing.
Communities miss opportunities to intervene early and save lives
Schools face barriers to implementing proven prevention programs that help young people develop the skills needed to make healthy choices.
The Most Common Types of Stigma
public
stigma
Public stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that society holds toward people with substance use disorders.
self
stigma
Self-stigma happens when individuals internalize the negative messages and beliefs they hear from society.
structural stigma
Structural stigma refers to policies, systems, and institutional practices that limit opportunities or create unequal treatment for people with substance use disorders.
What We Do
At Connecting Through Courage, we partner with law enforcement, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, schools, businesses, community organizations, individuals, and families to increase understanding of substance use disorders (SUDs) as what science has shown them to be; chronic, treatable health conditions, not moral failings or personal weaknesses.
Just as communities have learned to approach conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heard disease with education, compassion and evidence-based care, we believe SUDs deserve the same response.
Help us change perceptions, strengthen communities, and create hope.
Our Goal is Simple:
- Replace stigma with understanding.
- Replace judgement with compassion.
- Replace barriers with opportunities for recovery.
Professional & Community Services
support groups
Loving someone with a substance use disorder can feel overwhelming, confusing and isolating.
stigma training
Creating real change in how communities respond to Substance use disorders (SUDs), starts with education, awareness, and a willingness to challenge long-held beliefs.
SUD
prevention
Research around SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Prevention consistently shows that delaying substance use during adolescence significantly reduces the likelihood of developing an SUD later in life.
Supporting Rural Communities
People living in rural communities often face unique barriers to prevention, treatment, recovery, and support. Long travel distances, provider shortages, transportation challenges, privacy concerns, and stigma can make it harder to seek help. Connecting Through Courage is committed to bringing eduction, support, and hope directly to the communities that need it most.
Contact Us for more information
Stigma Resources
stigma language guide
The words we use can either reinforce stigma, or
promote understanding, dignity, and hope.
Coming Soon!
Building More Pathways to Recovery
At Connecting Through Courage, we believe recovery is strengthened when people have access to stable employment, safe housing, and supportive communities.
Recovery-Friendly Workplaces
Helping employers create environments where individuals in recovery can thrive through education, stigma reduction, and recovery-supportive workplace practices.
Second-Chance Hiring
Working with businesses to recognize potential beyond a person’s past and create opportunities for individuals who are rebuilding their lives after substance use challenges.
Recovery-Supportive Housing Connections
Collaborating with landlords and community partners who understand that stable housing is one of the strongest predictors
of long-term recovery and wellness.
Community Advocacy
Promoting policies and practices that reduce barriers to employment, housing, and community participation for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
When we replace stigma around substance use disorders with compassion...
People Find Help Sooner
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS (SUD's) are associated with discrimination and social disapproval, more than any other medical condition.
10.2 MIL
In 2024 the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 48.4 million Americans ages 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the previous year but only 10.2 million of those people received the specialized treatment they needed.
Source: ATTC/SAMHSA
$820 BIL
When people experience stigma, they are less likely to seek treatment, resulting in economic, social, and medical cost. Cost associated with untreated addiction (healthcare, criminal justice, and lost productivity) amounted to $820 Billion in 2024.
Source: ATTC/SAMHSA
65%
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse in 2024, found that of the more than 2.3 million people incarcerated in the US, 65% of them met criteria for a substance use disorder, yet only 11% received treatment.
Source: ATTC/SAMHSA
stigma compassion.
You're not meant to go through this alone. We're here to help you find information, help, and resources that create growth by reducing shame.
We can end stigma - together.
