Exploring how personal stories reveal stigma related to substance use disorders

Using Narratives to Identify Stigma Phenotypes - A Socio-Ecological Approach

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10694006

This study looks at how people with substance use disorders are treated and talked about in different places like work, home, and school, using stories from social media and surveys, to find ways to reduce the negative feelings and attitudes they face.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10694006 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the stigma associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) by analyzing narratives from social media and survey data. It aims to understand how stigma manifests in different contexts, such as work, home, and school, and how it affects individuals' mental and physical health. By identifying various stigma phenotypes, the research seeks to develop targeted interventions that can effectively reduce stigma for those affected. The approach combines natural language processing with qualitative analysis to derive meaningful insights from personal experiences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced stigma related to substance use disorders, particularly those involving alcohol, cannabis, or opioids.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have experiences with substance use disorders or stigma related to them may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective stigma reduction interventions that improve the lives of individuals affected by substance use disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in stigma reduction through targeted interventions, but this approach focusing on personal narratives is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.