It is important to use non stigmatizing language when talking about substance use disorder.
Words to Avoid | Words to Use |
Substance abuser, addict, abuser, junkie | Someone with substance use disorder |
Drug abuse | Substance use disorder (SUD) |
Clean | Person in recovery, not taking drugs, abstinent |
Dirty | Actively using |
Treatment is the goal | Treatment is the one path to recovery |
Relapse | Return to substance use |
References:
Allison Bradbury. (2019, January 14). Recovery and Recovery Support | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery
University, U. S. (n.d.). Reducing Stigma Towards Opioid Use Disorder Treatment. Extension.usu.edu. https://extension.usu.edu/heart/research/reducing-stigma-towards-opioid-use-disorder-treatment
Words Matter: Boston Medical Center Changes How We Talk and Think About Addiction. (2020, January 21). America’s Essential Hospitals. https://essentialhospitals.org/words-matter-boston-medical-center-changes-talk-think-addiction/
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