Document Type
Article
Author ORCID Identifier
Sandra H. Sulzer https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4879-5407
Erin Fanning Madden https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3146-4222
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Drug Issues
Publisher
Sage Publications, Inc.
Publication Date
1-5-2024
Journal Article Version
Version of Record
First Page
1
Last Page
13
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Abstract
Harm reduction and pharmacotherapy approaches to addressing substance use disorder are evidence-based practices for reducing adverse health outcomes. However, professional stigma toward these approaches impedes implementation. In this pilot study, professionals working in substance use treatment services received a 4-hour asynchronous online harm reduction and pharmacotherapy training. Pre- and post-training surveys used Likert-scale questions to assess attitudes and planned actions. Four of the 23 survey items demonstrated a significant change in pre- to post-attitudes and planned actions relating to harm reduction or pharmacotherapy. These items included less attitudinal stigma towards: methadone and buprenorphine (p = .021), overdose prevention sites/"drug consumption facilities" (p = .025), and naloxone distribution (p = .017), as well as lower intent to primarily promote abstinence-based interventions (p = .007). This study demonstrated that online asynchronous educational interventions show promise for reducing stigmatizing attitudes towards evidence-based practices among substance use treatment professionals.
Recommended Citation
Sulzer, S. H., Prevedel, S., Barrett, T. S., Mekjian, M., Vincent, M., Frabis, F., Meier, C., Shiverdecker, C. W., Voss, M. W., Cook, P. J., & Madden, E. F. (2024). Pilot Testing an Asynchronous Online Harm Reduction and Pharmacotherapy Stigma Reduction Training for Substance Use Treatment Professionals. Journal of Drug Issues, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426231226223