Reducing Stigma Through Conversations in Primary Care About Unhealthy Alcohol Use

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Innovations in Primary Care

Transforming Primary Care Conversations to Tackle Unhealthy Alcohol-Use Stigma

The AHRQ EvidenceNOW initiative implemented a comprehensive approach to help primary care practices reduce stigma and better serve patients with risky or harmful alcohol use through training, implementation support, and innovative materials. Launched in 2019, the program engaged practice facilitators (PFs) to support primary care practices in integrating universal screening, brief interventions, and medication-assisted therapy/medication for alcohol use disorders. PFs trained clinicians to use person-centered communication, modeled empathetic and nonjudgmental interactions, and provided materials such as the “We Ask Everyone” poster to normalize unhealthy alcohol use screenings. Providers were taught motivational interviewing techniques and how to address stigma through respectful language. Universal screenings were reframed as routine preventive care, reducing the likelihood of patient discomfort or feelings of being singled out. Through these techniques, trainings, and materials, PFs helped practices cultivate a culture of universal screening, which normalized the discussion for both providers and patients, thereby reducing stigma.

Reducing Stigma Through Conversations in Primary Care About Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Hildie Cohen, MEd, MA

NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois