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Published: March 5, 2024
CHC’s model of care is based on the knowledge that substance use disorders are progressive, fatal illnesses that may require several treatment strategies for successful recovery. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.
They are, however, treatable conditions that can be managed, much like other chronic illnesses
The words we use to communicate about addiction can change lives for better or for worse. Some of the terms used by friends, family members, and the media can reinforce the stigma of addiction and make it harder to ask for help. To help, we’re sharing some best practices for reducing stigma, isolation, and improving communication.
By changing the language we use to describe substance use disorders and addiction, we can humanize the condition and open the door to real, non-judgmental conversations. We could even save lives.
Describes uncontrollable, compulsive drug-seeking, using and behaviors, despite negative consequences.
The words “addict, junkie, or user” are demeaning and define people by their illnesses, which can be isolating. “Person in active addiction” or “person with an active substance use disorder” emphasize the humanity of the person experiencing the symptoms.
“Patient” accurately refers to a person being medically treated for substance use/other addictive disorder, reinforcing that addictive disorders are health issues.
Saying “habit or drug habit” ignores the medical nature of the condition and implies the person can “break the habit.” Addiction comes with strong compulsions that a person struggles to overcome alone. That’s why there are multiple treatment strategies to help.
Saying “abuse” negates the fact that addictive disorder is a medical condition as well. “Abuse” blames the illness solely on the individual, absolves the drug sellers of wrongdoing, and encourages stigma toward the patient.
Avoid the terms “clean” or “sober,” even if they’re the terms used by the person with a substance use disorder, since they imply that people with substance use disorders are “dirty.”
Try not to say “clean” or “positive/negative” for drug test results, since these terms are confusing to people not in behavioral healthcare.
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. People are considered “in recovery” from their first day seeking help.
This is a practical and accurate description of pharma-based treatments, i.e. methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, etc. MAT is considered one possible therapy route, and includes behavioral health support.