WORDS MATTER
to Reduce Stigma
“ADDICTION”
Describes uncontrollable, compulsive drug-seeking, using
and behaviors, despite negative consequences.
“PERSON IN ACTIVE ADDICTION”
OR “PERSON WITH SUBSTANCE USE
DISORDER”
The words “addict, junkie, or user” are demeaning and
define people by their illnesses, including “degenerate
gambler.”
“SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER”
Saying “habit or drug habit” ignores the medical nature of
the condition and implies the person can “break the habit.”
“MISUSE,” “HARMFUL USE”
Saying “abuse” negates the fact that addictive disorder is
a medical condition. “Abuse” blames the illness solely on
the individual, absolves the drug sellers of wrongdoing,
and encourages stigma toward the patient.
“PATIENT”
“Patient” accurately refers to a person being medically
treated for substance use/other addictive disorder,
reinforcing that addictive disorders are health issues.
“ADDICTION-FREE” or “IN REMISSION”
Avoid the terms “clean” or “sober,” since they imply that
people with substance use disorders are “dirty.”
“SUBSTANCE-FREE”
Try not to say “clean” or “positive/negative” for drug test
results, since these terms are confusing to people not in
behavioral healthcare.
“PERSON IN LONG-TERM RECOVERY”
The recovery community has been using this language for
many years. “Person in recovery,” or “long-term recovery,”
describes someone who is not using alcohol or other
drugs or taking part in compulsive, addictive behaviors.
“MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT”
This is a practical and accurate description of pharma-
based treatments, i.e. methadone, naltrexone,
buprenorphine, etc.
THIS HELPS,
THIS HURTS