Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Language
English
Publication Date
1-29-2024
Journal
Pharmacoepidemiology
DOI
10.3390/pharma3010004
Abstract
Opioid use in women has increased by 300% since 1999, and opioid use disorder among pregnant women has quadrupled. The stigma of substance use disorder is a significant barrier to treatment, especially among women. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of stigma among mothers and the underlying themes. (1) Background: To understand the stigmatization of women with substance use disorders, we interviewed mothers in recovery from opioid use disorder. (2) Methods: Qualitative methods and descriptive analysis was used to extrapolate themes related to the experienced stigma. (3) Results: A total of 20 mothers in recovery from opioid use disorder were interviewed and three main themes emerged from the data: internal stigma, external stigma, and healing from stigma. (4) Conclusion: The examination of stigma is important in reducing its effect on all individuals with substance use disorders, and it is important to understand gender inequities.
Keywords
stigma, substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, shame, treatment and recovery
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Bakos-Block, Christine; Yaatsco, Andreaa; Cohen, A Sarah; et al., "“My Addiction Doesn’t Define Me”—Experiences of Stigma among Mothers with Opioid Use Disorder" (2024). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 825.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthshis_docs/825