Self-Paced Video-Based Learning

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.

Download Overview: Removing-the-Shame-and-Stigma-of-SUD-RSS-SUD-Overview-MATE-ACT.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).

  • Discuss: How stigma inhibits people from achieving long-term wellness and recovery.

  • Explain: The impact of shame and stigma on the individual and family/caregivers.

  • Explain: 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.

  • Examine and Eliminate: Assumptions and negative preconceived notions of the disease and the individual.

  • Examine and Eliminate: Stigma by association towards family/caregivers & addiction professionals.

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

Course CE Credits and 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 pharmacists. An individual may pursue individual course CE credits or complete the entire Certificate Program (20 credits).

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): 0018-9999-25-022-H01-P, 3.0 contact hours (.3 CEU).

Release Date:  04/18/2025

Expiration Date:  04/18/2025

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.

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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