Clinical Topics & Methods Category

Relentless Stigma: A Qualitative Analysis of a Substance Use Recovery Needs Assessment

1 CE Hour
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About the Course

This study examines the barriers and supports to substance use disorder (SUD) recovery in Minnesota, using data collected from individuals with lived recovery experience. By employing a qualitative needs assessment, researchers explored key domains influencing recovery, including healthcare, environment, individual, and social factors. Findings highlight the pervasive impact of stigma, both within healthcare settings and the broader community, as a significant barrier to recovery. Positive influences included peer recovery support, access to healthcare, and community-based resources. The study offers actionable insights to improve SUD recovery efforts through targeted interventions and stigma reduction.

This course is based on the reading online article, Relentless Stigma: A Qualitative Analysis of a Substance Use Recovery Needs Assessment created by Dr. Stephany Medina et al in 2022.

Publication Details

Publication Date: Substance Above: Research and Treatment 4/11/2022

Course Material Authors

Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.

Dr. Stephany Medina

Dr. Stephany Medina is a public health researcher in the South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota Joint Master of Public Health Program. She focuses on qualitative analyses and community-based approaches to SUD recovery. This is her first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Anna Van Deelen

Anna Van Deelen is a researcher at the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy. Her expertise includes pharmacy practice and public health interventions. This is her first work published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Course Creator

Barbara F. McMillan, LPC

Barbara McMillan, BA, MS, EdD, LPC has 35 years of experience as a therapist, clinical director, and administrator in mental health and substance abuse programs. She holds degrees in psychology and education, and has been a licensed professional counselor and supervising counselor for many years. After 18 years in various roles in private and public mental health settings, she became a full-time college psychology and sociology instructor.

Target Audience

Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Evaluate the role of stigma in healthcare and community settings as a barrier to SUD recovery.
  2. 2 Identify key supports, such as peer recovery programs and community resources, that facilitate recovery for individuals with SUD.
  3. 3 Discuss the significance of using lived experiences to inform community-based interventions for SUD recovery.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.

Course Creator

Barbara F. McMillan, LPC – No relevant financial relationships.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

Montana Board of Psychologists

1 CE credit hour
Eligible until Feb 26th, 2028
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
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Joint Accreditation (JA)

1 Psychologist CE credit hour
1 Social Worker CE credit hour Clinical
Eligible until Feb 26th, 2028
In support of improving patient care, CE Learning Systems, LLC, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
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American Psychological Association (APA)

1 CE credit hour
Eligible until Feb 26th, 2028
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
More Info
Logo: American Psychological Association

Course Material

References begin on page 9

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