Hear Me: Stories to Challenge OUD Stigma This series amplifies the voices of individuals who’ve faced stigma in healthcare due to opioid use, race, identity, pregnancy, and trauma. Through raw, personal stories like Joey’s and Kshe’s, these brief but powerful episodes invite reflection, empathy, and action—because compassionate care begins when we choose to hear.

Raised in chaos and addiction, Kshe believed she didn’t deserve care—until one provider showed her compassion when she needed it most. This episode is a powerful reminder: empathy isn’t just kindness—it’s a clinical intervention.

Joey, a gay Black man who uses injection opioids, shares how deeply stigma influences his decision to seek (or avoid) healthcare. His story offers a compelling reminder of how race, sexuality, and substance use intersect—and how providers can make or break the experience of care.

In these short, powerful episodes, Kshe, Joey, and Valery share lived experiences that challenge assumptions and offer real solutions for stigma-free care.

ASAM Clinical Tips: Understanding Pain Management and Opioids 4 NEW videos listed below. Please scroll down for 15 additional videos.
From Monday, November 3, through Monday, November 10, ASAM will be implementing a new Association Management System. During this time, all services that require login will be temporarily unavailable.

Effective Communication Strategies for Managing Pain (Time: 7:36) Dr. Arianna Campbell, a PA at The Bridge Center, Public Health Institute, focuses on enhancing healthcare professionals’ ability to communicate effectively with patients experiencing pain. Resources

Types of Pain (Time: 7:09)
Dr. Michael Cheshire, an internal medicine physician at West Virginia University Medicine, offers an overview of different pain classifications, including nociceptive, neuropathic, and idiopathic pain. Resources

Patient Education: Explaining Pain Management Options (Time: 6:04) Dr. Michael Cheshire, an internal medicine physician at West Virginia University Medicine, provides practical strategies for explaining various pain management options to patients in clear, concise, and accessible language. Resources

Developing Patient-Centered Pain Management Treatment Plans (Time 7:17) Dr. Anita Karnik, an addiction psychiatrist at the Phoenix VA Health Care System, guides learners through the process of creating individualized, patient-centered pain management plans. Resources

Opioid Equianalgesic Dosing Example

Show example calculation of converting between opioid medications. (time 3:21)

Difference Between Physical Dependence and Addiction

Clarifies the critical distinctions between physical dependence and addiction to opioids, following the 4 Cs framework: Compulsion, Control, Continued use despite harm, and Craving. (time 1:52)

Kathleen’s Chronic Pain Journey

A patient shares the stigma she encounters, her reluctance to rely on pain medication, and the consequences when she doesn’t take it. Her story emphasizes the need to be treated with respect and compassion. (time 1:23)

Medical Marijuana for Pain Management

Addresses this common question by discussing the importance of being familiar with the laws in your state and the need for caution when discussing medical marijuana with your patient. (time 2:08)

Treating OUD with Buprenorphine

A healthcare clinician shares her experience of integrating buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) into her emergency room practice and the importance of primary care clinicians being able to effectively treat individuals with OUD. (time 5:02)

Guiding Patient Expectations in Pain Management

Highlights the importance of guiding patient expectations through shared decision-making using a SHARE approach to improve pain management outcomes. (time 3:52)

Ordering a Urine Drug Test

Brief demonstration of effective, transparent communication with patients about ordering a urine drug test, which helps patients feel more comfortable and cooperative. (time 00:25)

Administering the Opioid Risk Tool-OUD

Thorough demonstration of using the ORT-OUD risk assessment tool, modeling the importance of empathy and compassion. (time 5:52)

Opioid Use Disorder DSM-5-TR Criteria

Outlines the behavioral aspects of the 11 criteria of opioid use disorder according to the DSM-5-TR. To meet the diagnosis, a patient must exhibit at least two of these criteria within a 12-month period. (time 4:03)

Motivational Interviewing Video
Enhance your communication skills and patient interactions with these proven motivational interviewing strategies. (time 1:53)

Opioid Therapy Beyond 2 Weeks

Considerations for patients requiring opioid therapy beyond two weeks. Implementing a clear tapering strategy and disposal of unused opioid to prevent misuse and ensure safety. (time 0:59)

Video Series: Addressing Stigmatizing System, Institutional, and Language Barriers

These excerpts provide tips for overcoming system and institutional barriers, as well as the importance of language used when discussing people with substance use disorders.

Acknowledgment: This education is supported by an independent educational grant from the Opioid Analgesic REMS Program Companies (RPC). Please refer here for a listing of the member companies.