Chapter 5 examines how a relational approach addresses avenues for prevention and sustainable solutions with a focus on four areas of emphasis. The chapter describes strategies and examples of successful programs that effectively integrate relational health themes in their treatment approaches with examples derived from interviews with patients and providers.

Efforts to reduce stigma of substance use disorder can be described by three sometimes-competing agendas: (1) the services agenda, which aims to reduce public stigma that often serves as a barrier to treatment-seeking; (2) the rights agenda, which aims to replace stigma with rightful opportunity and full social inclusion; and (3) the self-worth agenda, which centers empowerment and self-determination over shame. Sometimes efforts to further one of these agendas can unintentionally undercut the efforts of another. However, efforts that elevate the lived experience voice may be critical in reducing stigma without undermining the various agendas. As researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience work to understand and reduce the stigma of substance use disorder, each must be intentional with their efforts to ensure that their pursuit in the name of one agenda does not impede the progress of the others.