Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction

Definition of Addiction: Addiction is defined as a chronic but treatable medical condition. It is essential to approach discussions about addiction with sensitivity, as the language used can significantly influence attitudes and perceptions.

Definition of Stigma: Stigma refers to discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. It often manifests through language that portrays individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) negatively.
Examples of Stigmatizing Beliefs: Common stigmatizing thoughts about individuals with SUD include beliefs that they are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, or responsible for their own condition.

Sources of Stigma: The stigma surrounding addiction often stems from outdated perceptions and fears of the unfamiliar or misunderstood. Despite this, contemporary understanding recognizes addiction as a manageable medical issue.
Consequences of Stigma: Experiencing stigma can discourage individuals with SUD from seeking treatment, leading to isolation and hindering recovery efforts. Negative stereotypes evoke feelings of pity, fear, and anger from others.

Impact of Language: The words we choose when discussing SUD can have profound implications on the views and self-perceptions of those affected. Adopting non-stigmatizing language promotes a more supportive environment.

Person-First Language: Emphasizing the individual rather than their disorder is crucial. For example, the phrase "person with a substance use disorder" separates the individual from their condition and fosters dignity.
Encouraging Self-Identification: Allow individuals to determine how they wish to be described. Communicating openly about terminology can empower them and normalize the conversation.

The following guidelines illustrate preferred terms when discussing SUD:

Terms to Use vs. Avoid:
  - Use "person with a substance use disorder" instead of "addict" or "user." This distinction indicates that SUD is an illness and emphasizes that a person "has" an issue rather than "is" the issue.
  - Prefer "person with alcohol use disorder" over "alcoholic," as it maintains a neutral tone.
  - Use "person in recovery" rather than "former addict" to underscore ongoing personal growth and healing.

Medication Terminology: Use medically accurate terms similar to those used in other health conditions.
- Example: Refer to "medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD)" instead of "replacement therapy," as the latter implies a temporary solution.
- Employ "medications for OUD" as a more precise and respectful descriptor of treatment options.
Avoiding Miscommunication: The term Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be misleading; instead, use the preferred term "medication for a substance use disorder" to reflect the role of medications in long-term recovery, analogous to antidepressants or antipsychotics.

Describing Recovery: Use terms like "being in remission or recovery" instead of "abstinent" or "not drinking or taking drugs," which can imply a lack of agency in recovery.
Language around Drug Screens: Instead of using "clean" to describe a drug-screen result, opt for "testing negative" to avoid moral connotations surrounding drug use.

Preferred Terminology: Instead of the stigmatizing term "addicted baby," use "baby born to a parent who used drugs while pregnant" or "newborn exposed to substances." The latter terms better reflect medical understandings of dependency and addiction.
Educational Considerations: It is critical to emphasize that babies cannot be born addicted as addiction is a behavioral disorder, which can guide respectful discussions around sensitive topics.

Additional Reading:
1. NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow’s Blog: What Does It Mean When We Call Addiction a Brain Disorder? (March 2018)
2. NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow’s Blog: Addressing the Stigma that Surrounds Addiction (April 2020)