Manchester has been chosen as one of 100 cities nationally to take part in an anti-stigma initiative led by the Addiction Policy Forum, Mayor Jay Ruais announced Wednesday.
The initiative is designed to increase knowledge about addiction and improve behavior toward people with a substance use disorder.
It also will provide learning opportunities about evidence-based treatment options, signs and symptoms of addiction, and engagement strategies.
Research has found that people who experience stigma are more likely to continue substance misuse, to delay seeking treatment and to drop out of treatment once they’ve begun.
While running for mayor last year, Ruais spoke candidly about his past struggles with alcohol addiction and two DWI arrests. He said he has been sober since March 9, 2010.
“I am living proof that a person with a substance use disorder can get better,” Ruais said in a statement. “This initiative is designed to increase education and awareness about how we can remove barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking treatment, and reaffirms our community’s commitment to providing a supportive and compassionate environment for individuals who are impacted by addiction.
“Combatting the addiction epidemic has a direct correlation with tackling the homeless crisis as well, and represents our administration’s efforts to get at one of the root causes of homelessness.”
Ruais said he was “honored” to ask Alderman Pat Long to join him in this effort because “we are prime examples of what people can accomplish when they find recovery.”
As part of the campaign, residents and community leaders in Manchester can participate in a survey to measure addiction knowledge, confidence in how to respond to a substance use disorder and levels of stigma in the community.
Researchers hope to gain a greater understanding of how the city can best position itself to offer educational resources and targeted interventions.
“This initiative is the first of many steps that Manchester can take toward achieving a healthier community,” Long said in a statement. “I ask all constituents and city leaders to come together to be part of the solution.”
Addiction Policy Forum launched the Anti-Stigma Initiative in October, with over 100 pilot sites nationwide working to reduce stigma and increase knowledge about addiction in their communities.
“Individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) are too often subject to harsh moral judgments and frequent discrimination, which can delay treatment access and increase rates of dropout from treatment and recovery services,” Jessica Hulsey, executive director of Addiction Policy Forum, said in a statement. “All key sectors in our communities must come together to address the manifestations of stigma and improve knowledge and compassion. This initiative will allow us to test new scales and interventions to address stigma at the local level.”
Those interested can complete the online survey by following this link — https://bitly.ws/3aHkB — before Feb. 29.
Once completed, pilot sites will help field test the “Responding to Addiction Intervention” developed by the Addiction Policy Forum to increase knowledge about substance use disorders, and how best to respond as an individual and community.
City health officials and community providers continue to urge those struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety or other mental health concerns to contact The Doorway by calling 211 or by visiting https://www.thedoorway.nh.gov.
