Opioid use disorder stigma among people with family history of behavioral health disorders

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a public health crisis in the United States, and fewer than 25% of individuals with OUD receive adequate treatment. Stigma, both at the individual and systemic levels, is a significant barrier to treatment for many individuals with OUD. Given the important roles that individuals with a family history of behavioral health disorders (BHDs) play in both systemic advocacy and treatment, OUD stigma among individuals with a family history of BHDs may be particularly harmful to persons with OUD. The authors examined a sample of individuals (N = 512) with a family history of BHDs from a larger survey conducted in the U.S. southeast that explored OUD stigma, stress, quality of life, and employment. The survey was part of a study conducted by a Cooperative Extension system and sought to inform community-based education and outreach. Using linear regression analysis, the authors found that among individuals with a family history of BHDs, being female or having a personal or family history of BHDs was associated with lower levels of OUD stigma. In addition, they found that being married, working in mental health or related professions, or having high levels of stress was associated with higher levels of OUD stigma. The impact of stress on stigma levels among women was less than among men. This study identified some subpopulations with a family history of BHDs who may benefit from intervention to reduce OUD stigma, particularly individuals who have both a family history of BHDs and are mental health professionals. The authors discussed the need for additional research to better understand the dynamics of OUD stigma in families.