Provider Stigma Associated with Treating Drug Addiction

In 2017, nearly 20 million American adults struggled with substance use disorder (SUD) [1]. During this year there were more than 70,200 deaths reported from overdoses, with over 17,000 from prescription opioids [2]. Even with such staggering statistics, of those 20 million individuals only 4 million people received treatment [2]. Drug addiction is considered a treatable disease [2]. It is a chronic condition, similar to hypertension (high blood pressure) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Drug dependence is a complex disorder which requires specialized training to identify and treat. Research has shown recovery from drug addiction begins with treatment with medications such as Buprenorphine (Suboxone) with an additional component of behavioral therapy or counseling. As with any chronic condition, if an individual chose to stop taking their medication, then there is a risk of relapsing. Although it must be an individual’s choice to receive treatment, one must wonder if there are other reasons which limit addiction treatment. One possible problem with the drug crises could lie in the stigma many healthcare providers hold regarding treatment with Buprenorphine.