Rockville, MD (July 1, 2020) – The Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose (CSOO) welcomes Stop Stigma Now (SSN) as a new member of the coalition. SSN was created by a group of retired professionals affiliated with methadone research and treatment. The organization is dedicated to ending the pervasive and ongoing stigma targeting medications for addiction treatment and patients, which prevents them from entering into and remaining in treatment. It creates educational materials, attends events, and holds meetings to inform the general public, the court systems, public officials, medical, nursing and counseling professions and the media about the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the success of medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder. SSN also uses its various publications and newsletter to highlight other aspects of addiction treatment, such as treatment for individuals who are incarcerated, and peer recovery services.
“We are excited to welcome Stop Stigma Now as the newest member of the coalition,” said Dr. Shawn Ryan, Chair of the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) Legislative Advocacy Committee. “Their efforts educating stakeholders on the importance of medications for addiction treatment as well as the need to destigmatize addiction can help change hearts and minds. I look forward to working with them as we continue to move the narrative surrounding addiction from one of judgment to one of compassion.”
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About the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose
The Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose is a coalition of local, regional and national groups that are committed to advancing meaningful legislative and regulatory policies in response to the opioid overdose epidemic. The Coalition seeks to address the U.S. opioid overdose epidemic by engaging policy makers, public health leaders, chronic pain and addiction specialists, individuals in and seeking recovery and family members, so that legislation and policies get the support and funding needed.