Mental health workers may hold negative beliefs about people who misuse opioids

Health care workers in the mental health field, including those providing treatment, had higher levels of stigmatizing views toward people with opioid addictions than the general population, according to a new study. Credit: Lindsay Robinson/UGA

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that mental health workers may hold the harshest views toward the very patient population they're supposed to help: people with opioid addiction.

The researchers found that health care workers in the mental health field, including those providing mental health treatment, support services and more, had higher levels of stigmatizing views toward people with opioid addictions than the general population.

In 2024, more than 82,000 people died of an opioid overdose. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that millions more Americans have an opioid use disorder.

Unfortunately, many won't ask for help.