Language is a very important part of how people think about and act on usa contact list substance use disorder. The words we use can either perpetuate stigma or foster understanding and empathy. By changing the way we talk about substance use disorder, we can help change how people think about those who are currently experiencing substance use disorder. Ultimately, we can create a better world for those in recovery.
Let’s explore some ways we can change the language around addiction.
Changing the way we address others
People are people first and foremost and should not be defined by their health conditions or struggles. It is critical to use person-first language that focuses on the person rather than their substance use disorder. Saying things like “person with substance use disorder” or “individual experiencing SUD” helps remind us that they are people too and removes the negative connotations that come with substance use disorder. Let’s work together to eliminate terms like “addict” and “addicted” that focus only on the substance a person is using.
Changing the way we talk about our illness
While addiction was once the term used to describe SUD, we later realized that it was labeling the condition and the people it affects by referring to their behaviors, rather than the medical conditions behind them. We can reduce stigma by using more accurate words and phrases that describe the medical and psychological challenges and complexities of the condition without diminishing the value of the human beings who experience these conditions.
