The Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index™
Measuring attitudes. Challenging stigma. Driving change.
Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing people with substance use disorder from seeking treatment and recovery. The Addiction Stigma Index™ helps measure public attitudes, identify opportunities for change, and guide evidence-based solutions.
Why measure stigma?
Stigma has measurable consequences.
Negative attitudes toward substance use disorder affect how people seek care, how communities respond, and how policies are developed. Measuring stigma helps identify barriers to treatment and provides organizations with the data needed to improve outcomes.
For two years I thought I was the only mother going through this. Shatterproof showed me I wasn’t — and gave me the words to help my son get well.
Key findings
What the data reveals
Public Perception
60%
still hold stigmatizing views
A majority of the public associates substance use disorder with blame rather than health — a barrier to compassion and care.
Treatment Access
1 in 10
still hold stigmatizing views
Stigma compounds practical barriers, leaving most people without evidence-based care.
Recovery Beliefs
3 in 4
underestimate recovery rates
Public belief lags behind the evidence: recovery is common, and treatment works.
Workplace Attitudes
45%
fear disclosing at work
Fear of judgment keeps people from seeking support where they spend much of their lives.
Research highlights
Explore the findings
How stigma affects treatment seeking
Many people who need care delay or avoid it entirely because of anticipated judgment.
(graph here)
Changing perceptions over time
Stigmatizing attitudes have measurably declined year over year since the baseline study.
(graph here)
Generational differences
Younger generations report markedly lower levels of stigmatizing attitudes.
(graph here)
How the research works
Research Methodology
You can get started by contacting us to schedule an initial conversation about your workplace, current policies, and goals around safety and employee well‑being. From there, we’ll recommend a tailored pathway, such as leadership training, employee education sessions, or a full Safe Place Workplace program, to help you build a safer, more supportive workplace for everyone.
You can get started by contacting us to schedule an initial conversation about your workplace, current policies, and goals around safety and employee well‑being. From there, we’ll recommend a tailored pathway, such as leadership training, employee education sessions, or a full Safe Place Workplace program, to help you build a safer, more supportive workplace for everyone.
You can get started by contacting us to schedule an initial conversation about your workplace, current policies, and goals around safety and employee well‑being. From there, we’ll recommend a tailored pathway, such as leadership training, employee education sessions, or a full Safe Place Workplace program, to help you build a safer, more supportive workplace for everyone.
You can get started by contacting us to schedule an initial conversation about your workplace, current policies, and goals around safety and employee well‑being. From there, we’ll recommend a tailored pathway, such as leadership training, employee education sessions, or a full Safe Place Workplace program, to help you build a safer, more supportive workplace for everyone.
You can get started by contacting us to schedule an initial conversation about your workplace, current policies, and goals around safety and employee well‑being. From there, we’ll recommend a tailored pathway, such as leadership training, employee education sessions, or a full Safe Place Workplace program, to help you build a safer, more supportive workplace for everyone.
Download center
Get the research
Latest Report
The full national findings, in depth.
Executive Summary
Key takeaways for busy leaders.
Methodology
How the research is designed and fielded.
Infographics
Shareable visuals of the headline findings.
Presentation Slides
Ready-to-present deck for your team.
An ongoing initiative
Research timeline
2021
Baseline Report
The first national measure of addiction stigma.
2022
Expanded Research
Broader sample and new attitude dimensions.
2023
Language Findings
How word choice shapes stigma and care.
2024
National Trends
Year-over-year change across the country.
2025
Future Research
Deeper focus on communities and systems.
Organizations using the research
Organizations across the country use the Addiction Stigma Index to improve policy, education, treatment, and community engagement.
logo
Media & recognition
Recognized nationwide
Featured Coverage
National reporting on the Index’s annual findings.
Speaking Engagements
Presentations at leading health and policy convenings.
Publications
Peer-reviewed and applied research citing the Index.