The USA faces complex challenges around substance use, stigma, and support for recovery. To deepen our understanding, a recent USA survey on addiction support led by the Trumbull County Mental Health & Recovery Board took a close look at community attitudes about addiction, recovery, and public health policy. This in-depth case study offers valuable lessons for communities nationwide striving to better support those impacted by substance use disorder (SUD).

Why the USA Needs Better Understanding of Addiction

Many people in the USA still misunderstand addiction. Decades-old myths and misconceptions shape everyday beliefs. Stigma remains a major barrier, making it harder for those with SUD or in recovery to seek help or be accepted in their community. The Trumbull County survey, with 420 participants from diverse backgrounds, set out to measure how people view addiction today and where targeted education can help reduce stigma.

USA Survey on Addiction Support: Key Goals and Participants

The USA survey on addiction support was designed as part of a national Anti-Stigma Initiative. Its aims were to:

• Measure how the public views addiction and recovery,
• Find out what policies people support,
• Spot where misunderstandings might exist,
• Establish a baseline for change.

Who took part?

• 420 residents, including educators, social service professionals, community members, and those affected by addiction.
• 61% fully completed the survey.
• Wide diversity in gender, age, education, and profession (including 17% working in addiction services and 9% self-identifying as in recovery).

Understanding Addiction in the USA: Public Attitudes

Addiction as a Disease or Choice?

The USA survey on addiction support found that three in four participants (75%) recognised addiction as a disease, not a personal choice. Only 16% said addiction was a choice, while 9% were unsure. This is an encouraging signal that more people are understanding addiction in the USA as a health issue, rather than a failure of willpower.

Support for Public Health Policies

There was strong backing for public health responses to addiction:

• 82% favoured more government spending on addiction treatment.
• 81% wanted naloxone (an overdose reversal medicine) made more available to families and friends of those with SUD.
• 51% would support laws that protect individuals from prosecution if they seek urgent medical help for drug-related emergencies.

At the same time, punitive or discriminatory policies were mostly opposed:

• 68% rejected the idea of prosecuting all people who use drugs illegally.
• 70% opposed letting employers fire or refuse to hire people in recovery.
• 80% stood against housing agencies denying services to those in recovery.

The findings of this survey on addiction in America show a shift towards compassionate, evidence-based policies over outdated punitive approaches.

Knowledge about Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)

Familiarity and Beliefs

A key part of understanding addiction in the USA is recognising the importance of medications for addiction treatment (MAT):

• 86% knew that effective medications exist for opioid use disorder.
• 59% knew medications are available for alcohol use disorder.
• 77% agreed MAT can help treat addiction.
• 66% did not see MAT as merely substituting one drug for another.
• 65% believed that people using MAT can be in recovery.

However, only 35% believed that taking MAT long-term is not harmful. This highlights where education is still needed, particularly on the safety and benefits of long-term MAT.

Breaking Stereotypes About Recovery

Persistent Myths

Despite the USA survey on addiction support showing mostly positive views, negative stereotypes persist:

• 37% saw people in recovery as unpredictable.
• 16% thought they cannot be trusted.
• 16% believed people in recovery don’t make good decisions.
• 13% blamed people in recovery for their own problems.
• 6% considered people in recovery dangerous.

While these numbers are low, they still represent a barrier for those working towards long-term recovery and social acceptance.

Emotional Responses Towards People in Recovery

Encouragingly, positive emotions were common:

• 91% felt supportive
• 87% felt compassionate
• 84% felt empathetic

Yet, negative feelings were also present:

• 49% felt anxious
• 48% felt nervous
• 38% felt fearful
• 26% felt angry
• 15% felt disgusted

These mixed feelings remind us that understanding addiction in the USA goes beyond facts; changing hearts is as important as changing minds.

Discrimination Isn’t Gone Yet

Where Discrimination Persists

When it came to direct interaction, most survey respondents were happy to work with, be neighbours with, or introduce friends to someone in recovery:

• 82% would work alongside someone in recovery,
• 78% would welcome them as neighbours,
• 80% would introduce them to friends.

However, discrimination increased in more personal or family settings:

• Only 35% would be comfortable if their child married someone in recovery,
• 23% would trust someone in recovery to care for their children,
• Just 16% would rent them a room at home.

These figures from the survey on addiction in America show that while progress exists, discomfort and bias still affect some of the most intimate areas of social life.

Knowledge Levels about Addiction

On average, participants scored 86% on a detailed quiz about addiction, qualifying as a ‘B’ grade. Forty percent achieved an ‘A’. This high level of knowledge points to effective local education—but also leaves room for more outreach, as 11% scored D or lower.

The USA Survey on Addiction Support by the Numbers

• Age breakdown: 8% aged 18–29, 23% aged 30–44, 37% aged 45–59, 32% aged 60+
• Gender: 77% women, 20% men
• Race: 88% White, 12% Black/African American
• Education: 76% degree or higher
• Residence: 30% rural/somewhat rural, 62% suburban/somewhat urban, 8% urban
• Profession: 39% in education, 10% community/non-profit work
• 53% know someone struggling with addiction
• 17% work in addiction services, 9% are in recovery

Lessons for Improving Understanding Addiction in the USA

The survey’s results offer hope for those working to reduce stigma and support recovery. Most respondents recognise addiction as a health issue and favour supportive public policies. They welcome increased government investment in treatment and broader access to life-saving interventions like naloxone.

However, the survey also exposes persistent myths about medication-assisted treatment, emotional discomfort around recovery, and reluctance to accept individuals in recovery into the most personal aspects of life. Tackling these challenges will require ongoing education, powerful storytelling, and visible support from community leaders.

Source: Addiction Policy