Meets the MATE Act Training Requirements

Highly Recommended by 91% of the People Who Have Taken the Course

Course Description

In this course you will learn about the role that shame and stigma plays in substance use disorder (disease of addiction) by looking at the effect this has on the individuals, families/caregivers, and communities.

The course will the review the consequences of shame and stigma associated with the disease of addiction, why addiction is stigmatized within society, and solutions to address shame and stigma.

Shame and stigma is a mark of disgrace and a set of negative beliefs held against a person, issue, or circumstance, often based off assumptions, judgements, and preconceived notions rather than facts. 

Participants will gain an understanding of the effect stigma has on the individual with substance use disorder and how it creates barriers to getting help through first-hand experiences and situations.

DEA Prescriber Requirements MATE Act Training Requirements

The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act requires new or renewing DEA licensees to complete 8 hours of addiction continuing education.

The required 8 hours can be satisfied through a combination of courses or activites.

The Removing the Shame and Stigma of SUD on-demand online course meets the MATE Act training content requirements, delivering 3 of the 8 credit hours required.

3.0 CE Credits - delivered upon 100% course completion, achievement of 80% (minimum) passing grade on the final exam, and completing the course ending survey.

Download Overview: Shame-and-Stigma-of-SUD-MATE-Act-Training.pdf

What You Will Learn

At the completion of the course, you will be able to

  • Discuss: The role of stigma and its effect on substance use disorder (disease of addiction). How stigma inhibits people from achieving long-term wellness and recovery.

  • Explain: The impact of shame and stigma on the individual and family/caregivers. The consequences of experienced stigma and shame and the impact on recovery, setback (relapse), and other social and health factors.

  • Examine and Eliminate: Judgements and negative attitudes towards the individuals suffering from the disease. Assumptions and negative preconceived notions of the disease and the individual. Stigma by association towards family/caregivers & addiction professionals.

  • Demonstrate: Stigma-free language. Advocacy toolkit for elimination/ removal of stigma.

Course CE Credits and Certificate Program

Certificate Program In partnership with Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Office of Continuing Education, Overdose Lifeline has developed layperson and clinician CE courses and Certificate Program on Addiction / Substance Use Disorder with an Opioid Specialization.

The course and the certificate program are structured to support the continuing educational needs of physicians. An individual may pursue individual course CE credits or complete the entire Certificate Program (20 credits).

CE Accreditation Statement:

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. and Purdue University College of Pharmacy. Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution, is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation: Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

DEA MATE Act: Provides 3.0 of the 8.0 credit hours required.

Release Date:  12/06/2019

Expiration Date:  12/08/2024

Take Online Courses from Anywhere

Completing when it is convenient for you.

  • Video-based Online Learning

  • Highly Rated: 4.88 Rating. 91% Would Recommend.

  • On Your Schedule — At Your Own Pace

  • Progress is Tracked So You Can Pick Up Where You Left Off

  • Gain Knowledge or Fulfill Educational or Professional Requirements

  • Certificate Delivered Upon Successful Course Completion

What People Are Saying

Removing the Shame and Stigma of Substance Use Disorder / Addiction Course


"In the past when I thought about stigma and addiction, I typically thought about how another person (family member, neighbor) stigmatize someone with this disease. I now have a better understanding of how stigma from other areas of one's life (medical communities, law enforcement, etc.) affects someone with this disease and creates a barrier for recovery."

"Prior to taking the course, I did not realize the stigma and preconceived notions I personally associated with addition. I really tried to empathize with the personal stories within the course and I now better understand why this particular chronic illness has so many hurdles to overcome. The stigma affects all aspects of this chronic disease management, everything from early detection and getting help, to finding health care workers to assist in the management of this disease. It is something that is not well broadcasted among the community and even the healthcare setting and there is an obvious knowledge deficit as a whole."

"Stigma seems to be one of the largest barriers to recovery from SUD. This could be the stigma that a person with SUD and/or their loved ones may have internalized that makes them hesitant to seek help. Or this could be the stigma that influences societal structures (funding for SUD treatment, legal factors that impact PWUD, etc.). I appreciated the section on the steps individuals can take to change this and will apply this into my work."

"I never viewed addiction as a chronic disease or self-assessed my own attitudes and how I myself could be adding to the stigma of drug use/substance use disorder."
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Course Reviewer

The course material has been reviewed by subject matter expert: Morgan Gliedman, Vice President, Education and Engagement, Addiction Policy Forum.

Additional Course Notes

  • The course may be accessed from a computer, tablet or mobile device. Internet access is required as are speakers for audio.

  • The following web browsers are supported: Desktop - Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge. Note the course platform does not support Internet Explorer. Mobile - iOS Safari: 11 and up, Chrome, Samsung Internet.

  • The course will remain available in your account for six months - allowing you to complete the course at your own pace and return to the course later for review of key concepts.

  • All faculty, staff and reviewers involved in the planning, review or presentation of continuing education activities provided by Purdue University College of Pharmacy are required to disclose to the audience any commercial financial affiliations with ineligible companies related to the content of the presentation or enduring material. All planning committee members, writers, staff and reviewers of Overdose Lifeline and Purdue University have no relationships to disclose.

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