FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2025
A recent study published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases highlights outcomes of the enCompass program, Addiction Policy Forum’s community-based intervention aimed at reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders (SUD).
Data from the proof-of-concept study shows that for enCompass participants their SUD stigma decreased after receiving the intervention. The research, led by Dr. Valerie A. Earnshaw from the University of Delaware, evaluated the impact of the enCompass intervention on community members' attitudes towards individuals with SUD.
Jessica Hulsey, Executive Director of the Addiction Policy Forum, shares: “In 2021, we showed that our novel stigma intervention, enCompass, could be implemented successfully to tackle the stigma that so many individuals and families impacted by addiction face. Our partnership with Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services enabled us to bring our stigma reduction training to 429 individuals across 22 Ohio counties with high numbers of overdose deaths. Our goal is to bring evidence-based, real-world-tested anti-stigma programs to communities nationwide.”
“The study data show that participants had lower stigma, including stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination intent, after completing the enCompass program,” says Dr. Valerie Earnshaw, Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware. “Reducing stigma and improving knowledge among communities, not just among people experiencing addiction, is critically important as individuals who experience stigma due to addiction are more likely to continue engaging in substance use, delay treatment access, and more likely to discontinue care.”
"We are pleased to see the results and outcomes of the enCompass program and the improvements in knowledge and stigma for participants. The DeWine Administration is committed to enhancing our state’s understanding of addiction and dismantling the many misconceptions still prevalent. By equipping Ohioans with a deeper grasp of addiction and the tools to address substance use disorders, we take a crucial step toward reducing stigma and fostering a more supportive community for those in need," said Aimee Shadwick, Director of RecoveryOhio.
The enCompass intervention was developed by Addiction Policy Forum’s Executive Director, Jessica Hulsey, to increase knowledge about substance use disorders, correct misconceptions, improve helping behaviors and reduce stigma. Components of the intervention include:
Stigma reduction methods include tools and strategies identified by leading stigma researchers and summarized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Knowledge building components of enCompass include addiction basics, treatment, and recovery delivered via an 8-hour program through brief lectures, animated explainer videos, and video segments from leading neuroscientists, addiction psychiatrists, and emergency medicine physicians.
Misconception corrections embedded throughout the curriculum address common misconceptions about SUD and recovery and use best practices for correcting myths and misinformation.
Skills building is integrated into the curriculum and practiced to reduce potential for discrimination. For example, family members and concerned significant others practice communication skills appropriate for someone with SUD.
For more detailed information, refer to the full study: enCompass: evaluation of a community-based substance use disorder stigma intervention.
Contact: trainings@addictionpolicy.org
About Addiction Policy Forum:
The Addiction Policy Forum is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating addiction as a major health problem. Our national headquarters are located in Bethesda, MD with resources and services in every state. Our vision is to eliminate addiction as a major health problem.
Founded in 2015, our strategic priorities include helping patients and families in crisis, ending the stigma around addiction, expanding prevention and early intervention, increasing the uptake of evidence-based practice, and advancing patient-led research. More information on our mission and projects is available at our website, https://www.addictionpolicy.org.