Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Addiction and Recovery:
The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Addiction Awareness Task Force (AATF) launched the Break the Stigma campaign to change the conversation around addiction and recovery. This initiative was created to combat the misconceptions surrounding substance use disorder, highlight the reality of recovery, and ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive support rather than judgment.
Recognizing that stigma is one of the biggest barriers to seeking help, the campaign has taken several proactive steps to foster understanding and support, including:
- Public Education & Awareness – Through community outreach, events, and personal stories, the campaign works to dispel myths about addiction and promote the importance of treatment and recovery.
- Advocacy & Resources – By providing access to critical services, including treatment programs and recovery support, the campaign ensures individuals and families have the help they need.
- Community Engagement – Working with local organizations, schools, and businesses, the initiative spreads awareness and encourages open discussions about addiction and mental health.
- Breaking Barriers to Treatment – Through partnerships and funding efforts, the campaign supports initiatives that remove financial and social obstacles to addiction recovery.
Addiction is a disease, not a choice, and recovery is possible for everyone. By fostering a compassionate and informed community, Camden County continues to take meaningful action to break the stigma and support those on their journey to recovery.
What is Stigma and Why Does It Matter?
Addiction is one of the most stigmatized health conditions, preventing individuals from seeking help and isolating families who fear judgment. Over 20 million people in the U.S. struggle with substance use disorders, yet nearly half of Americans don’t recognize addiction as a disease.
Key Points:
- Recent research shows that over 80% of Americans are unwilling to associate with those suffering from a substance use disorder.
- Stigma leads to discrimination in healthcare, employment, housing, and more.
- Misconceptions about addiction being a moral failing reinforce these barriers.
- Stigma creates barriers to accessing evidence-informed treatment and harm reduction services.
- FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone) can reduce overdose death risk by half but are underused due to stigma and misinformation.
Stigma doesn’t just affect individuals with addiction; it isolates families and perpetuates harmful stereotypes in society. People struggling with substance use disorders often face:
- Judgment from peers, which discourages open conversations about their challenges.
- Discrimination in workplaces and healthcare settings, limiting opportunities for recovery and success.
Additionally, stigma is pervasive even in professions tasked with helping those in need, including healthcare and criminal justice systems. This reinforces cycles of shame, mistrust, and avoidance of essential services.
Understanding the root causes of stigma—such as fear, misinformation, and societal bias—is critical in dismantling it. By fostering empathy, education, and inclusivity, we can transform the way addiction is perceived and treated.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
In recent years, Camden County has made significant strides in combating the opioid epidemic. According to the NJ ROIC-Drug Monitoring Initiative, from January to July 2024, the county experienced a 39% decrease in overdose deaths compared to the same period in the previous year. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in Naloxone (Narcan) administrations, with 511 instances in the first half of 2024, down from 851 during the same timeframe in 2023.
These improvements are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, the Addiction Awareness Task Force (AATF), healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations. Initiatives such as widespread distribution of Naloxone, increased access to medically assisted treatment, and comprehensive public education campaigns have been pivotal in this progress.
However, despite these advancements, the mission remains incomplete. Stigma continues to be a significant barrier, preventing many individuals from seeking the help they need. The Break the Stigma campaign is dedicated to changing perceptions of addiction, fostering understanding, and creating a supportive environment where recovery is possible for everyone.
- Nearly 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% receive treatment.
- More than 70% of people who try an illegal drug before age 13 develop an addiction.
- About 50,000 people die annually from opioid overdoses.
- Approximately 3.8% of Americans have an opioid use disorder.
- Opioids are involved in 7 out of every 10 overdose deaths.
- Synthetic opioids account for about 68% of all overdose deaths.
- Fentanyl contributes to nearly 19.8% of these deaths.
- Research shows that 50% of individuals with a diagnosed mental illness will also struggle with substance abuse at some point in their lives, and vice versa.
How You Can Help End the Stigma
To effectively combat the stigma surrounding addiction, it’s crucial to understand the impact of our words and actions. Stigmatizing language and behaviors can deter individuals from seeking help and perpetuate misconceptions about substance use disorders. Here’s how you can contribute to ending this stigma:
Use Person-First Language
The words we choose significantly influence perceptions. Person-first language emphasizes the individual, not their condition. For example:
Instead of: “Addict”
Use: “Person with a substance use disorder”
This approach recognizes the person beyond their addiction and reduces negative labeling. For more guidance on appropriate language, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor’s guidelines on addressing stigma.
Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding the realities of addiction is key to dispelling myths. Share factual information about substance use disorders and recovery processes within your networks. Utilize resources from reputable organizations to stay informed and help others do the same.
Share Camden County Resources
Promote local support services and initiatives:
Break the Stigma Campaign: Encourage participation in county-led efforts to change perceptions about addiction.
Support Groups and Treatment Centers: Inform others about available local resources for those affected by substance use disorders.
Foster an Inclusive Environment
Whether at work, school, or in the community, create spaces where individuals feel safe discussing addiction and seeking support. Implement policies that discourage discriminatory behavior and promote understanding.
Challenge Stereotypes
When you encounter negative stereotypes or discriminatory remarks about addiction, address them constructively. Engage in conversations that challenge these misconceptions and offer a more compassionate perspective.
Support Policy Changes
Advocate for policies that treat substance use disorders as health issues rather than moral failings. Support legislation that expands access to treatment and recovery services.
By taking these steps, you contribute to a community that supports recovery and respects individuals affected by addiction.
Campaign Spokesperson: Zac Clark
Zac Clark, a speaker at Camden County’s Remembrance and Hope Memorial in 2023 and a dedicated advocate for our Break the Stigma Campaign, is committed to raising awareness about mental health and addiction. In 2020, he gained widespread recognition after openly sharing his journey of addiction and recovery on ABC’s The Bachelorette. Since then, he has used his platform to inspire hope and break the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, particularly among young people.
Zac’s battle with addiction began after he was prescribed opioids following the removal of a brain tumor. Over time, his substance use escalated, leaving him alone and struggling on the streets of Camden. In one of his darkest moments, he attempted to cash a stolen check at a PNC Bank, where he met a guardian angel—bank teller Ronda Jackson. Instead of calling the police or handing over the money, she contacted Zac’s father, setting off the chain of events that ultimately saved his life.
Now in long-term recovery, Zac is the founder and CEO of Release Recovery, a full-service organization providing essential recovery support, including transitional living, interventions, and case management. He also co-founded the Release Recovery Foundation, a nonprofit committed to removing financial barriers to treatment, with a focus on underserved communities through DEI, LGBTQIA+, and women’s scholarships. In addition, Zac serves on the Board of Trustees at Caron Treatment Centers, the very organization where he began his recovery journey over 12 years ago.
Through his advocacy and philanthropy, Zac has helped raise nearly two million dollars to support addiction recovery and community wellness. He continues to inspire others with his story of resilience, second chances, and the power of compassion. Born and raised in Haddonfield, NJ, Zac is a proud Philadelphia sports fan, avid marathoner, and passionate advocate dedicated to making a difference.
Learn more about Zac Clark’s mission and how you can support his efforts through Release Recovery and the Release Recovery Foundation at https://www.releaserecoveryfoundation.org/.
Resources for Recovery and Support
Office of Mental Health & Addiction Services
The Camden County Office of Mental Health and Addiction ensures access to essential treatment programs, especially for underserved populations. Services include withdrawal management, inpatient/outpatient care, recovery supports, sober living options, and addiction education. Mental health assistance covers emergency shelter, wrap-around funds, and socialization programs.
The office also coordinates advisory committees, crisis response teams, and countywide planning for substance abuse and mental health services. For eligibility and referrals, contact (856) 374-6361.
For a list of community mental health resources, click here.
For a list of substance use resources, click here.
Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force
The Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force was established to combat the opioid epidemic and raise awareness about substance use disorders. The task force involves community partners, including medical professionals, law enforcement, and local leaders, working together to educate the public, reduce substance misuse, and improve resources for those affected by addiction. The task force also supports the development of programs to prevent addiction, offering educational campaigns and promoting treatment options. For more information, visit the Addiction Awareness Task Force page.
Camden County Remembrance and Hope Memorial
The Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force created the Remembrance and Hope Memorial at Timber Creek Park to honor the lives lost to overdose and addiction. With over 2,000 lives lost since 2010, the memorial offers a space for families and loved ones to grieve and find solace.
For information on memorial pavers, click here.
School Based Initiatives
The Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education (NOPE) program is a highly successful evidence-based program designed to combat the misuse of substances and illicit drugs through interactive contemporary presentations, educating middle school and high school students faced with the
real-life consequences of alcohol and drug use. NOPE is available to Camden County
schools, programs, and/ or events. To learn more about the NOPE program
or schedule a presentation, please contact:
The Work Group at (856) 486-7390
Fentanyl is Fatal
Camden County’s Anti-Fentanyl Campaign provides crucial information about the dangers of fentanyl, an opioid much stronger than morphine. The campaign stresses how fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin and cocaine without users’ knowledge, leading to unintentional overdoses. As part of the county’s response, the campaign raises awareness through various initiatives such as distributing educational resources, offering free Narcan training, and providing fentanyl test strips to at-risk individuals.
Additionally, Camden County has installed naloxone boxes in public spaces and schools, and has launched a mobile treatment program that brings recovery services directly to those in need. This coordinated effort aims to reduce overdose deaths and break the stigma surrounding addiction by encouraging open discussions and offering tangible support to those affected.
For further details, you can visit the official Camden County Fentanyl Awareness page here.
Community Outreach Materials
Camden County is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health through education and community engagement. We offer outreach materials to help schools, organizations, businesses, and community groups spread awareness and support mental wellness.
Available materials include:
- Posters and flyers to raise awareness
- Informational brochures on mental health and addiction resources
- Digital content for social media and websites
Get Involved:
If you’re interested in receiving outreach materials or learning more about our programs, please contact us or fill out the Materials Request Form here: