Stop the Stigma

If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.  Learn about the signs of overdose.

What is stigma?1

The word stigma is used to describe a set of negative beliefs or feelings that society, or a group of people can have about something or someone.  These beliefs are often unfair.

Substance use disorders are treatable medical conditions.  They are also chronic.  This means that they can last for a long time or reoccur.

Studies have shown that people with substance use disorders facing discrimination and stigma have their health and well-being negatively impacted in numerous ways.  People who use drugs that do not suffer from a substance use disorder can also be affected by stigma.

There are safe, effective, and lifesaving tools available to help people struggling with substance use.  However, stigma can prevent people who need help from seeking care or help.

Research shows the language people use can contribute to stigma and discrimination against people with substance use disorders, including by healthcare professionals.

Learn more about drug user
stigma and discrimination

Drug User Health Resources

The Opioid Crisis

Drug use has health consequences.  In Virginia and across the United States, we are facing an opioid crisis.  More Virginians die every year from drug overdoses than from automobile crashes.  Nationally, there is an overdose death every five minutes.

There is hope, too.  The opioid crisis has inspired national action.  From grassroots groups, to states, and the federal government.  In Virginia, we are taking steps toward recovery.  Since 2016, when the state health commissioner declared the Virginia opioid crisis to be a public health emergency, state agencies and community agencies have responded.  They have and are continuing to offer lifesaving resources to all affected Virginians.

The journey away from opioid misuse starts one step at a time.  Together, we can curb the crisis.

Curb the Crisis Logo
Curb the Crisis Logo

Curb the Crisis

Visit the Curb the Crisis website to learn more about the opioid crisis, Virginia's response, and use their treatment locator to find resources for you or a loved one.

Curb the Crisis Website

CHR Sites

Learn about VDH comprehensive harm reduction (CHR) programs and what they are.  Find a service organization near you for yourself or a loved one.

Learn about CHR programs

Overdose Prevention

Drug use and addiction affect all communities in Virginia.  Drug use can result in infections, like HIV or hepatitis C, overdoses needing emergency or hospital care, and deaths.  VDH provides resources to prevent and respond to drug overdoses and other outcomes in Virginia.  VDH and other state agencies work to improve health outcomes and reduce injury and deaths from drugs, including fentanyl.

Naloxone

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.  It is available as a generic drug or under the brand names NARCAN® and EVZIO®.  Anyone can get naloxone at a Virginia pharmacy without a prescription.

What is naloxone/how do I get it?.

Overdose Data

VDH monitors and reports data on drug overdose deaths. VDH uses data to inform drug overdose prevention programs or policies.

VDH Overdose Deaths Data

1 “Stigma and Discrimination.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 27 May 2024, nida.nih.gov/research-topics/stigma-discrimination.

Last Updated: October 1, 2024