What the Survey Found

The national survey included 1,442 U.S. adults and was conducted in 2025. Participants answered questions about five human rights: an adequate standard of living, high standards of health, legal capacity, freedom from torture and the right to live independently.

They also answered questions about three civil rights that tend to be more contested, which is becoming a parent, running for political office, and owning a gun.

Support lowered when respondents considered people with severe mental illness or substance use disorders.

For example, 79% of respondents supported the right to live independently for people with severe physical disabilities. That figure was 67% for people with severe mental illness, and 68.4% for people with substance use disorders.

The differences were even larger for some civil rights. Only 40.1% of respondents supported the right of a person with severe mental illness to run for political office.

Support was 41.4% for people with substance use disorders compared with 62.7% for people with severe physical disabilities.

The researchers also found several factors associated with greater support. Democratic political affiliation and personal experience with behavioral healthcare often tied to stronger support for human rights.

Male sex and younger age were associated with greater support for some civil rights. These factors don’t change the study’s central finding. Public attitudes differed depending on the condition involved.

How Stigma Can Affect Care and Other Rights

Public opinion can influence policy, access to healthcare, housing opportunities and responses within the criminal legal system.

People with substance use disorders may also be viewed as personally responsible for their condition. Addiction involves changes in brain function and is recognized as a treatable health issue. Stigma can make people less likely to seek treatment or ask for support.

A diagnosis shouldn’t determine whether someone deserves healthcare, stable housing, family relationships, or the ability to participate in public life. Public attitudes still matter because they can affect how consistently those rights are protected.

Reducing stigma takes more than changing the words used to describe someone. Person-first language, accurate reporting and policies that focus on health and dignity can challenge assumptions that people with behavioral health conditions are less capable or less deserving of rights.

Finding Behavioral Health Treatment

Rehab.com provides information about substance use and mental health treatment, including approaches that address stigma and connect people with respectful, evidence-based care. Call 800-985-8516 ( Question iconSponsored Helpline ) to get in touch with a treatment specialist.

Quentin Blount Written By: Quentin Blount Content Director
Quentin brings over a decade of experience in writing, editing, and digital publishing to his role as Content Director at Rehab.com, where he leads a full-scale content operation across addiction treatment, mental health, and behavioral health verticals. He has experience managing large editorial teams, executing content strategy for clients, and building the workflows and systems that keep high-volume publishing operations running efficiently. Quentin is committed to making treatment information accessible, trustworthy, and easy to navigate for people seeking help for themselves or their loved ones. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, friends, family, and dog, Coop.