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Jamie Daniels Foundation

Stigma Reduction

Improving Prevention, Improving Recovery.

“The biggest killer out there is stigma. Stigma keeps people in the shadows. Stigma keeps people from coming forward and asking for help. Stigma keeps families from admitting that there is a problem.”

Former U.S. Surgeon
General Jerome Adams

The greatest obstacle we face as a society in the prevention and successful treatment of Substance Use Disorder is the stigma associated with substance use. Like heart disease and diabetes, addiction and Substance Use Disorder is a lifelong chronic disease that requires specific interventions and ongoing monitoring.

The stigma of addiction is prevalent across the general public, family members and at all levels of health care, often viewed as a choice or voluntary decision. This perception often leads to those with Substance Use Disorder feeling shame and less likely to reach out for support and treatment.

If more people recognized Substance Use Disorder as a disease and discussed it as we do other lifelong chronic diseases, we would see fewer people developing Substance Use Disorders, more successful recoveries, and far fewer deaths.

Jamie Daniels Foundation is already fueling measurable outcomes to reduce the stigma associated with addiction. We engage with parents, teachers, administrators, legislators, and other community leaders to help them understand the needs, trends, and data that reduce the stigma associated with addiction and Substance Use Disorders.

In addition to our own events, such as the Celebrity Roast, Hot Stove and Comedy Night of Hope, we often partner with community-based organizations in support of stigma reduction efforts.

Last year, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we partnered with a dozen leading non-profit and for-profit organizations to support the No Shame Movement.  We encouraged supporters to join the No Shame Movement to reduce stigma by taking the #NOSHAME pledge. Through our collective efforts we were able to reach more than 100,000 across the county, with more than 1000 stepping up and taking the pledge. 

By promoting an accurate understanding of Substance Use Disorder, we can reduce the barriers associated with seeking help and create the awareness that makes early intervention possible.

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Help break down barriers associated with Substance Use Disorder. Start the conversation and learn the risks. Visit our Resources page to learn more.