Investigating Different Terms and Stigma Related to Opioid-Use Disorder: An Experimental Vignette Study

Purpose Stigma is a well-known barrier for people with substance use disorders at multiple levels. The current study compares language using new terms to help identify the least stigmatizing language. Method A Qualtrics study was fielded in Illinois with 1,564 participants. Participants were randomized to one of five vignettes that described a person who was using opioids and seeking treatment. A stigma scale followed to gauge beliefs. Results Paired t-tests were used to compare the vignette assignment and stigma scores against each other and a control. The term “Survivor” was significantly lower on the stigma scale than other terms used, but the effect size was small. Discussion Overall “is an opioid use disorder survivor” was likely to be less stigmatizing than other terms, however further study is warranted due to the limitations that exist.