Editorial: Breaking the mental health stigma for people with substance use disorders

Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect millions globally, posing a significant public health challenge exacerbated by pervasive stigma (1, 2). This stigma, deeply entrenched in societal attitudes, manifests at multiple levels—self, social, and structural—resulting in discrimination, reduced access to treatment, and poorer psychological outcomes (3). Empirical research explicates the harmful impacts of stigma, including diminished hope, lower self-esteem, increased psychiatric symptoms, and social isolation (4, 5). This Research Topic (RT), titled ‘Breaking the Mental Health Stigma for People with Substance Use Disorders’, aims to present empirical and theoretical insights that highlight the detrimental effects of stigma and propose strategies to mitigate its impact.

The ongoing work of scholars and practitioners in identifying the origins and effects of stigma related to SUDs is critical for advancing the field and improving outcomes for affected individuals. The articles in this RT, selected through rigorous peer review, offer diverse perspectives and framework on how stigma operates in various contexts and propose interventions that can address these challenges.