Naloxone Stigma Among People Who Use Drugs: Characteristics and Associations With Stigma Toward Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Objectives Widespread naloxone distribution is key to mitigating opioid-related morbidity, but stigma remains a barrier. Naloxone stigma among providers, emergency responders, and the public is well-documented and associated with treatment and policy preferences, but little is known about naloxone stigma among people who use drugs (PWUD), who may be overdose first responders. This study examines naloxone stigma, its correlates, and its association with stigma toward medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among PWUD. Methods We recruited 293 individuals with a history of substance misuse from facilities that provide substance use and/or health care services (retained n = 195, 54% women, 75% White). Participants completed self-report measures, including the 5-item Naloxone-Related Risk Compensation Beliefs scale. Results One in 5 respondents agreed with beliefs that access to naloxone leads to more opioid use and less treatment seeking and is “enabling.” Those with nonopioid drug misuse, without prior overdose, and with fewer recovery attempts endorsed more naloxone stigma. Opioid misuse, prior overdose, and MOUD utilization were also inversely associated with MOUD stigma. There were no demographic differences in either stigma type. Naloxone stigma was positively associated with MOUD stigma in adjusted models. Conclusions This is the first study to quantitatively examine naloxone stigma among PWUD. Findings emphasize the potential role of overdose education and naloxone distribution among those earlier in the substance use disorder course and who use nonopioid drugs. They support integrating MOUD stigma interventions into current overdose education and naloxone distribution targeted at PWUD to increase the acceptance and uptake of both medications.