Introduction

Abstract

The Stigma of Addiction: An Essential Guide is one of the only books that focuses on stigma directed toward those with substance use disorders (SUDs). This may come as a surprise given addiction’s ubiquitous impact and its prominence in the national dialogue. Yet, while scholars have long discussed stigma pertaining to mental illness, addiction, which now is recognized as a disorder and falls within the ambit of mental illness, is just beginning to receive similar scholarly treatment. Our primary goal in this book is to collect leading scholarly thought, providing both the clinician and the nonexpert with a comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of addiction stigma and the different arenas in which it arises.