Majority of adults (74%) don't believe a person with a substance use disorder (SUD) is experiencing a chronic medical illness. Read the full results. NORWALK, Conn.
, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A majority of U.S.
adults demonstrate high levels of addiction stigma, according to new data released today by Shatterproof . The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index (SASI) is the largest and most expansive measurement tool designed to date to assess attitudes about substance use disorder (sometimes referred to as addiction) and people with SUDs. The data helps raise awareness about addiction stigma and how it impacts people with addiction, allows us to track progress over time and holds our nation accountable for ending addiction stigma.
Currently, nearly 49 million Americans ages 12 and older are living with SUDs and less than 5% of people who need treatment for addiction will ever receive it , making this the nation's most urgent public health issue. While recent data has shown a decline in substance-related fatalities over the last year, these numbers are still alarmingly high. Addiction stigma is a critical driver of this crisis, contributing to social isolation and further discouraging help-seeking behavior from individuals hoping to manage this complex medical condition.
While historically addiction stigma has been under-researched and largely unaddressed, the 2024 SASI report explores the perspective of one woman, Kaitlyn, and her journey with substance use to raise awarene.