“My Addiction Doesn’t Define Me”—Experiences of Stigma among Mothers with Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Opioid use in women has increased by 300% since 1999, and opioid use disorder among pregnant women has quadrupled. The stigma of substance use disorder is a significant barrier to treatment, especially among women. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of stigma among mothers and the underlying themes. (1) Background: To understand the stigmatization of women with substance use disorders, we interviewed mothers in recovery from opioid use disorder. (2) Methods: Qualitative methods and descriptive analysis was used to extrapolate themes related to the experienced stigma. (3) Results: A total of 20 mothers in recovery from opioid use disorder were interviewed and three main themes emerged from the data: internal stigma, external stigma, and healing from stigma. (4) Conclusion: The examination of stigma is important in reducing its effect on all individuals with substance use disorders, and it is important to understand gender inequities.

Keywords

• stigma
• substance use disorder
• opioid use disorder
• shame
• treatment and recovery