American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: Public Views About Opioid Overdose and People With Opioid Use Disorder

Lead: Public Views About Opioid Overdose and People With Opioid Use Disorder

Tuesday 27th January 2026

Explore public views on opioid overdose and responsibility, plus insights from recent studies in addiction medicine.
6 minutes
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Eye-opening
Honest
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This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
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Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Public Perceptions of Opioid Overdose: A Revealing Survey

Episode Overview

  • Public views on opioid overdose reveal significant concern and demand for accountability.
  • Political beliefs influence perceptions of responsibility for overdose deaths.
  • Stigma towards individuals with opioid use disorder remains prevalent.
  • Buprenorphine treatment shows similar retention rates across different care settings.
  • Social media platforms like TikTok impact youth nicotine product use.
"Most respondents viewed opioid overdose deaths as serious, highlighting the urgent need for action."
Ever wondered what the public really thinks about opioid overdose and those affected by opioid use disorder? This episode takes you on a journey through a national survey revealing fascinating insights into public perceptions. Conducted in April 2025, the survey gathered responses from over 1,500 adults across the U.S., exploring views on opioid overdose deaths and accountability.
The findings highlight that a significant majority see these deaths as a serious issue, with many attributing responsibility to both individuals using opioids and pharmaceutical companies. Interestingly, political leanings played a role in these perceptions, with liberals more likely to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. The episode also touches on societal attitudes towards those with opioid use disorder (OUD), shedding light on the stigma that still exists.
A notable portion of respondents expressed discomfort with having someone with OUD as a neighbour or family member, highlighting the ongoing challenge of societal acceptance. In addition to the survey, the episode delves into several studies, including one comparing outcomes for veterans receiving buprenorphine treatment in different care settings, and another examining the impact of TikTok on oral nicotine product sales among youth. These discussions provide a comprehensive look at current trends and issues in addiction medicine.
With a mix of data-driven insights and real-world implications, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of addiction and public opinion. How do you think these perceptions shape policy and treatment approaches? Join the conversation and reflect on the broader impact of these findings.
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