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Words That Matter

#143GREGORY

Studies show that only 1 in 10 people with a substance use disorder receives treatment. Stigma is a key barrier. By using language that puts the person first, we can reduce stigma and help individuals with a substance use disorder access the treatment they need. Additionally, it promotes patient-centered care from the healthcare team.

WILL YOU TAKE THE PLEDGE?

WE CAN HELP STOP THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BY USING PERSON-FIRST, MEDICALLY ACCURATE LANGUAGE IN OUR EVERYDAY INTERACTIONS. USING NON-STIGMATIZING TERMINOLOGY RECOGNIZES SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AS A CHRONIC DISEASE THAT CAN BE EFFECTIVELY TREATED.

 

Non-Stigmatizing Language

Stigmatizing Language
  • Person with a substance use disorder
  • Substance abuser or drug abuser
  • Alcoholic
  • Addict
  • User
  • Abuser
  • Drunk
  • Junkie
  • Babies born with an opioid dependency
  • Addicted babies/born addicted
  • Substance use disorder or addiction
  • Use, misuse
  • Risky, unhealthy, or heavy use
  • Drug habit
  • Abuse
  • Problem
  • Person in recovery
  • Abstinent
  • Not drinking or taking drugs
  • Clean
  • Treatment or medication for addiction
  • Medication for Opioid Use Disorder/Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder 
  • Positive, negative (toxicology screen results)
  • Substitution or replacement therapy
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment
  • Clean, dirty

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US STOP THE STIGMA

We invite you to complete the Words Matter Pledge form below, originally developed by the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, to help us reach our goal of creating a stigma-free environment in our communities.

Pledge:

I believe that the words I use in talking about substance use disorder are important in reducing stigma. I pledge to treat all people with a substance use disorder with dignity and respect. I pledge to talk about addiction as a chronic illness, not a moral failing. I pledge to be a leader in reducing stigma and promoting recovery from this disease.