This paper focuses on the development of a new measure of perceived stigma toward those with substance use problems. Perceived stigma is important in that a number of studies have shown that people often report stigma as a barrier to entering treatment (Cunningham, Sobell, Sobell, Agrawal, and Toneatto, 1993; Hingson, Mangione, Meyers, and Scotch, 1982; Klingeman, 1991; Tuchfeld, 1981; Tucker, Vuchinich, and Gladsjo, 1994). While perceived stigma has been identified as one among many barriers, the strength of the relationship between perceived stigma and treatment-seeking behavior is unknown. A quantitative measure is needed if researchers want to examine the strength of the relationship between perceived stigma and treatment entry and persistence. No standardized measure of perceived stigma in a substance using population exists that we are aware of. Because prior studies have suggested that the forms of stigma targeting substance users1 are often similar to those with mental illness (Corrigan, River, and Lundin, 2000; Crisp, Gelder, Rix, Meltzer, and Rowlands, 2000), we decided to adapt a scale that had already been created to measure perceived stigma toward serious mental illness (Link, Struening, Rahav, Phelan, and Nuttbrock, 1997).
