Trauma, Stigma and Discrimination in Substance Use Disorder

Spero Health Clinical Insights

Continuing on with our Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder, we are excited to share with you Episode 9 available now: “Trauma, Stigma and Discrimination in Substance Use Disorder”.

In this new episode, Essence Hairston, who specializes in behavioral health in the pregnant and parenting women population at Horizons Program at the University of North Carolina, speaks with host, SVP of Clinical Services David Hayden on how stigma and trauma can negatively impact the ability to seek treatment and to be successful in recovery. Essence discusses the importance of creating positive patient experiences so that it offers the best chance to achieve good outcomes. She gives suggestions on what providers can do to create a safe, respectful and welcoming environment, and the difference that makes in helping a patient feel a sense of belonging to create better engagement and connectivity to services.
This episode takes a deeper dive into ways trauma, stigma and discrimination can manifest in physical and mental health and the resulting effect on patient care. Essence gives recommendations on ways we can empower patients to advocate for themselves so providers can develop a more tailored approach to medical care.