Understanding stigma's impact on substance use treatment in rural areas
Official title: Evaluating the role of stigma in polysubstance use and medication for opioid use disorder treatment in an underserved, rural setting
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10838077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how negative feelings about drug use and treatment can make it harder for people in rural Maryland to stick with their recovery programs, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to get the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $165,976 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA057443-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10838077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural areas who are struggling with opioid use disorder and may be affected by stigma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in rural areas or who are not dealing with substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stigma surrounding substance use and medication for opioid use disorder affects patient engagement and retention in treatment programs in rural Maryland. The team uses a mobile treatment unit and telemedicine to provide access to buprenorphine care, while also exploring the role of peer recovery specialists in addressing stigma. By conducting qualitative interviews, the study aims to gather insights from patients about their experiences and the barriers they face in accessing care. The findings will help inform strategies to improve retention in treatment programs for individuals struggling with polysubstance use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment retention and outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder in rural communities.
How similar studies have gone: While stigma in substance use treatment has been studied, this specific approach using peer recovery specialists in rural settings is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magidson, Jessica F — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Magidson, Jessica F
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.