Three in Four Believe Fear of Exposure Keeps People from Seeking Substance Use Treatment, Inova Survey Finds

Inova's 8th Annual Act on Addiction Survey Finds Most People Don't Know Addiction Is a Brain Disorder — A Knowledge Gap the Health System Aims to Help Close at a Free Community Event This October

FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Inova Health released new data revealing fear and stigma remain top barriers preventing those in need from seeking treatment for substance use disorder. Three in four respondents to the Act on Addiction 2026 survey cited fear of exposure as a reason someone experiencing substance use may not seek care. The survey included more than 500 Northern Virginia adults.

The data also points to a specific opportunity for change: few people realize that substance use is considered a brain disorder, which causes functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control — changes that can make substance use compulsive and often last long after someone has stopped taking drugs. Less than 20% of survey respondents were familiar with this concept, yet nearly 9 out of 10 believe raising awareness of addiction as a brain disorder would reduce stigma in their community.

The survey is part of Inova's annual Act on Addiction Campaign, which aims to spark meaningful dialogue around substance use, reduce stigma, and highlight the profound impact addiction has on families and communities.

Fear and stigma are among several factors that can leave substance use disorder untreated, and the consequences extend well beyond Northern Virginia. In 2022, 75% of people nationwide who needed treatment — more than 40 million people — did not receive it. In Virginia, only 30.7% of people who died from an overdose in 2024 had ever received treatment for a mental health or substance use disorder, according to the CDC.

"Having a supportive community and readily accessible resources can make a meaningful difference for someone seeking treatment for substance use disorder," said Marquitta Duvernay, DHA, Senior Director, Ambulatory CATS and Recovery Services, Inova Health System. "That's why we're committed to addressing the persistent stigmas in our region revealed by the survey — to ensure Northern Virginians in need feel safe, supported, and cared for."

Less than half of respondents (48%) believed people in their community would be supportive if someone openly shared details about their recovery journey. That confidence was even lower among women (44%), Black respondents (45%), Hispanic respondents (47%) and rural Virginians (43%) — a gap that signals specific communities where outreach and trust-building efforts may need to be strengthened.

Greater understanding of addiction can help counter harmful stereotypes, reduce discomfort around people in recovery, and build support for science-backed public health policies and initiatives, according to the Addiction Policy Forum.

"These findings reveal a clear opportunity for education," said Tracy Hitt Millar, daughter of Joan and Russell Hitt and a representative of the Hitt family's ongoing partnership with Inova on the Act on Addiction campaign. "It is an honor to partner with Inova and support the Act on Addiction campaign again. By closing knowledge gaps and encouraging open dialogue, we can help more people access treatment sooner."

First launched in 2019, the Act on Addiction campaign was created as part of a $16 million gift from the Hitt family to the Inova Health Foundation to provide more resources for those dealing with addiction and to drive community dialogue around the issue within the Northern Virginia area. This year, the campaign is focused on raising awareness of substance use as a brain disorder and equipping families, friends, and others with the resources and knowledge they need to support those they know and love who are experiencing addiction.

Act on Addiction Community Education Event As part of this commitment, Inova is bringing the community together for Connection Changes the Brain: Rethinking Addiction and Recovery. Members of the Northern Virginia Community are invited to join, and participate, in meaningful dialogue with leading experts around substance use and how we can work together to combat the stigma that shields solutions

• When: Tuesday, October 6, 6–8 p.m.
• Where: Inova Center for Personalized Health, 8100 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax
• What: Attendees will learn about local substance use and recovery resources and how greater awareness can help reduce stigma

Whether for yourself, a loved one, a friend or a neighbor, you have the power to Act on Addiction Now. To learn more and register for the event, visit ActOnAddictionNow.org.

About Inova

Inova is Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Our mission is to provide world-class healthcare – every time, every touch – to each person in every community we have the privilege to serve. Inova's 22,000 team members provide more than 2 million patient visits each year through an integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services, and destination institutes.

Inova's five hospitals are consistently recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. News & World Report, and The Leapfrog Group for excellence in healthcare. Inova is home to Northern Virginia's only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Its hospitals have a total of 1,926 licensed beds. More information about Inova can be found at inova.org.

Media Contacts
Tracy Connell
Inova
703-289-2087
[email protected]

Bethany Grassley
BRG Communications
703-739-8346
[email protected]

SOURCE Inova