Stigmatizing attitudes toward substance use disorders in a college setting: the influence of knowledge and familiarity.

Abstract

Objective: While young adults have the highest prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs), treatment seeking is low in this age group. This study aimed to identify stigmatizing attitudes toward SUDs in the college setting, and to test whether SUD stigma was related to knowledge of addiction and familiarity with addiction (e.g., knowing someone with a SUD). Participants: Participants included 602 undergraduates from a public university in the southeastern United States (M_Age=18.51, SD = 0.81, 80.2% Female, 79.9% White Non-Hispanic). Methods: Participants completed an anonymous, online survey which included various SUD stigma, familiarity, and knowledge measures. Results: Results showed negative emotions toward individuals who have SUDs was inversely correlated with knowledge level. In addition, desired social distance from individuals with SUDs was inversely related to level of familiarity. There was no significant interaction between knowledge and familiarity. Conclusion: The findings have implications for college programming aimed at reducing stigma toward individuals with SUDs.