ESCANABA — It’s no secret that addiction is a growing issue both nationally and in the Upper Peninsula. But many people don’t realize that addiction (known in the medical field as Substance Use Disorder or SUD) is a chronic brain disease that can be managed with medical treatment. Despite the scientific evidence around this, SUD is often characterized as a moral failing or a character flaw. The stigma of SUD can cause isolation and discourages those who most need treatment from reaching out for help. In fact, only 1 in 10 Americans with SUD receive treatment. Stigma is fueling an American public health crisis.

Delta County Communities That Care is working to address stigma locally, and encourage people to learn more about Substance Use Disorder and how to help those who need support. The goal is to create a community where people with SUD can get the treatment they need to get sober and stay sober long-term. The more we can lower rates of SUD, the safer and healthier our community will be, particularly for young people.

“Stigma affects all of us – and nearly everyone has felt stigmatized or has stigmatized others at some point in their lives regardless of the situation. No one likes to feel judged. If we want to encourage people to reach out for help and get on the path to recovery, it is important to reduce the stigma surrounding their situation. We need to work together to reduce stigma and create positive change.” said Jenni Grabowski, Delta County CTC Coordinator.

Watch for and share information with the hashtag #StigmaStopsHere906 on Facebook. To learn more or get involved, contact Jenni at 906-789-8109 or visit www.deltactc.org. Delta County CTC is part of UP Coalition Network, an umbrella organization of the 14 CTC coalitions covering all 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula.

For more information about stigma and the collaborative CTC work being done U.P.-wide, visit www.UPCNetwork.org/stigma. Delta County CTC is funded by NorthCare and Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties.