Stigmatization remains a significant barrier to the initiation and maintenance of treatment in patients with substance use disorders, with higher levels of stigma being associated with lower levels of treatment initiation and adherence. While societal stigma is frequently discussed, less discussed are the inherent biases expressed by healthcare providers. Healthcare providers often hold comparable or even higher levels of stigma against patients with substance use disorders compared to the general population, and this can have quite a significant impact on patient care. From improper treatment decisions stemming from fear and stigmatization of the medications used for opioid use disorders, to the development of mistrust and poor/worsening self-esteem secondary to poor patient-provider interactions. The effects of stigma on the substance use disorder patient cannot be understated and must be alleviated in the coming years to ensure that patients with SUDs receive the high-quality treatment that they deserve. Several interventions have been validated to help reduce stigma within healthcare providers, subsequently improving treatment outcomes. Words matter. Patient-first language is crucial; verbiage can strongly impact how not only the provider sees the patient, but how the patient views themselves (and as we know, poor self-esteem also hinders treatment outcomes). Education and normalization of SUD medications should be done at the healthcare provider level to ensure that all providers are comfortable with these medications. As higher frequency of interactions with substance use disorders has been shown to reduce levels of stigma seen within healthcare providers, it’s also crucial that trainees receive adequate exposure to this patient population. While these suggestions may take time to show effect, it’s imperative that we get the ball rolling on training future generations of healthcare providers that do not hold inherent biases and who will provide high-quality, care utilizing validated treatments. / Urban Bioethics