Overview

Stigma has been defined as ‘a mark of shame, disgrace, or disapproval that results in an individual being rejected, discriminated against, and excluded from participating in a number of different areas of society’. While all mental health conditions are stigmatised to some degree, substance use disorders remain among the most stigmatised conditions worldwide.

Healthcare providers are not immune to stigmatising attitudes, and structural stigma – practices and policies that limit access to quality care – is often embedded in the formal and informal rules of services.

This research brief explores how stigma presents in mental health and AOD settings, the challenges and opportunities in addressing the ‘double stigma’ experienced by people with co-occurring disorders, and practical resources to support healthcare providers.