Date on Capstone

3-2026

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

D.S.W.

Degree Program

Social Work, D.S.W.

Committee Chair

Golder, Seana

Committee Member

Winters, Andrew

Committee Member

Rhema, Susan

Committee Member

Archuleta, Adrian

Committee Member

BrintzenhofeSzoc, Karlynn

Author's Keywords

Substance Use Stigma; Social Work Education; Social Workers; Substance Use Disorders; Addiction Training; Stigma Reduction

Abstract

This study explored the extent of substance use related stigma among social work students and professionals (i.e., BSW, MSW, PHD and DSW) and its relationship to specialized education/training in substance use and professional practice with people who use drugs (PWUD)/live with a substance use disorder (PWSUD). Stigma was measured using the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Toward Opioid Use Scale and the Medical Condition Regard Scale. The final sample size was 263. Results indicate that current enrollment in a social work program, post degree or non-curriculum related substance use related training, and personal and professional experience with substance use specifically, mitigate substance use related stigma among social work students and professionals. This study also found that those who identify as Black/African American, have longer social work experience and who have earned a BSW and a MSW have the highest levels of stigma. These results indicate that there is a need to consider the impact substance use education, ongoing training and interactions with PWUD/PWSUD have on the reduction of stigma as well as how the social work profession can prioritize identifying and mitigating stigma throughout one’s social work career.

Download

Share

COinS