Our Influence Strategy

Suasion began by conducting a deep analysis to determine people’s perceptions, attitudes and perspectives regarding medication-assisted opioid treatment.  We discovered that, in order to influence the audience, we had to address the stigma associated with this type of treatment.  Understanding the level of conflict or cognitive dissonance with the desired perception was critical to determining the optimal influence strategies. 

 Suasion created an “I AM HOPE” campaign that told the personal stories of everyday people–mothers, brothers, friends, etc.—who were once struggling with substance use but found success with MAT.  Our Influence Architecture included reframing the issue by focusing on people who tried many treatment options but ultimately got on the road to recovery with MAT.  Through a strategic combination of education, using champions of change or community members/peers to deliver the message, and constructive conflict tactics, we opened the door for people to take advantage of a program that is successfully combining medication and counseling to save lives.