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.

Addiction / Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a major public health concern in the United States. Nearly 20 million Americans 12 years of age or older have SUD, with 2.5 million Americans having a SUD involving either prescription opioids or heroin.

Community-Wide Effort Required
"No single organization or person can address the multitude of services needed to help people affected by mental health or substance use conditions… the best sources are the people who live, serve, and work in the community and the best results are often seen when they undertake such action together." — SAMHSA, One Voice, One Community

Course Reviewer

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

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.

Accredited Continuing Education

As an approved Law Enforcement Training Board training provider (#47-1333720), Overdose Lifeline online training courses meet annual in-service training requirements for Indiana Law Enforcement officers and support personnel, specifically for Mental Illness, Addiction & Disabilities IC 5-2-1-9(g).

For first responders in other states, before beginning any of the Overdose Lifeline online courses we recommend that you verify that the course is of suitable subject matter and content for annual in-service training with your Department’s Certified Instructor. 

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 select your CE Credit area. You should select "First Responder".

Upon successful completion of the course you will be issued a certificate which includes the information required to submit to Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. The specific information required includes:

Overdose Lifeline’s Provider Number: #47-1333720. 

Continuing Education / Training Hours: 3.0

Course Number: FR-RSS-SUD30

Please follow the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board procedure below to ensure your training is properly reported, 

  1. Register for the classes at the provider’s website.
  2. Complete the class and all the requirements with a passing score.
  3. Print the certificate of completion or other documentation that indicates your successful completion of the class.
  4. Report the training by submitting a copy of the certificate and provide the LETB Certified Training Provider number to your department Training Coordinator.
  5. The Training Coordinator will report the training through Acadis as part of your annual in-service training using the LETB Certified Training Provider number for the organization that presented the online training. 

(IT IS THE DEPARTMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT THE TRAINING, NOT THE PROVIDER)

For first responders in other states, before beginning any of the Overdose Lifeline online courses we recommend that you verify that the course is of suitable subject matter and content for annual in-service training with your Department’s Certified Instructor. 

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact training@overdoselifeline.org.

Additional Course Notes

  • There are no prerequisites for this course. We recommend you consider “The Brain and the Disease of Addiction (BDA) — 2.0 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 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.

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