September 8, 2025

Seminar explores combatting the stigma of substance use disorders

 photo of Stoltman

Jonathan Stoltman will give a virtual talk on “Science Communication and Working with the Media to Reduce Addiction Stigma,” at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 11, via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public. 

Register for the Zoom link. 

Researchers are often approached by journalists to synthesize research findings for various media platforms, from news articles to radio segments and beyond. However, many researchers have little formal media training, and most journalists lack specialized knowledge about substance use. Together, these gaps can contribute to inaccurate and harmful reporting. This talk will equip experts with strategies to engage with the media and combat stigma toward people impacted by drug use. 

Stoltman is the director of the Opioid Policy Institute, a research think tank focused on identifying gaps in treatment and recovery services. He is also the co-director of Reporting on Addiction, an initiative dedicated to improving the accuracy and empathy of news coverage on addiction. 

This talk is sponsored by the Rural Drug Addiction Research Center, and it is an installment in its Seminar Series.