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.

This course is for businesses, coalition and community members, correctional facilities, educators, faith groups, government, health care professionals, parents and caregivers, pharmacies, school nurses, senior living facilities, sober living communities, treatment and recovery centers, etc.​ who will benefit from an understanding and knowledge of the role shame and stigma plans in SUD/addiction and the steps one can take to reduce the effects.

Course Reviewer

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

Faculty, Staff and Reviewer Disclosure Statement

Faculty, Staff and Reviewer Disclosure Statement - 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.

What You Will Learn

  • Understand: 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.

  • Describe: 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.

  • Eliminate: Judgements and negative attitudes towards the individuals suffering from the disease. Assumptions and negative preconceived notions of the disease and the individual.

Course CE Credits and Certificate Program

In partnership with Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Office of Continuing Education, and funding from the Employers Forum of Indiana and the Amerisource Bergen Foundation, 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 educational needs of healthcare professionals, students, and the layperson. An individual may pursue individual course CE credits or complete the entire Certificate Program (20 credits).

Get more information about the Certificate Program.

Pharmacist Accreditation Statement:

Pharmacist Accreditation Statement - Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. 

Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-9999-22-061-H01-P, 3.0 contact hours (.3 CEU).

Release Date:  12/06/2019

Expiration Date:  03/15/2025

CE Credit Course Requirements

  • 100% course completion

  • 80% (minimum) passing grade on the final exam

  • Complete the course ending survey

How to Receive CE Credit(s)

During course registration you will be prompted to provide your NABP eprofile # and your MMDD of birth (example: September 5th would be 0905). These two numbers, when combined, create your unique ID for credits to be directly reported to CPE Monitor. If you are unsure of your NABP e-profile number, please go to CPE Monitor to learn more: https://nabp.pharmacy/cpe-monitor-service/

Upon completion of this course you will receive a Statement of Participation Certificate* which is an acknowledgement of completion and is NOT VALID for CE reporting. 

Verification of credits earned will be emailed within 6 weeks and CE Credit will be reported through CPE Monitor, also within 6 weeks.

*The Statement of Participation will be referenced on-screen at the end of the course and your certificate will be delivered to the email address associated with this course's registration.

Additional Course Notes

  • There are no prerequisites for this course. We recommend you consider “The Brain and the Disease of Addiction (BDA) — ACPE 2 CE Credits" online course ($30.00). In this course you will learn about the disease of addiction by looking at how the brain is affected from substances such as drugs and alcohol and how the disease of addiction develops.

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

  • 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.