Language towards those with
substance use disorder is a crucial part of their recovery process. The words and
phrases we use frame the public perception on addiction and recovery, affecting
how individuals see themselves and their ability to change. How we address
those with substance use disorder can, intentionally or unintentionally, propel
stigma and create a mark of disgrace, dishonor and segregates the individual
from believing they can defeat their addiction.
Stigma decreases when the public
perceives individuals with addiction as not being responsible for causing
his/her problem and that they are unable to control it. Did you know that those
with substance use disorder are perceived more negatively than those with psychiatric
disabilities, although both are considered brain chemistry disorders?
By understanding that 50% of the
cause of addiction is genetics, and the rest is caused by the effects from the
substances on the nervous system, leading to changes in brain chemistry and
function that are impaired from use without the substance being present. Addiction
is technically a chronic brain disorder and while individuals affected can recover,
they need to have the utmost willpower to do so. Utilizing positive reinforcement
and language helps that recovery process initiate, especially coming from
doctors, family members, and counselors.
The accurate and clinical
terminology for someone battling addiction is a “Substance Use Disorder Patient”.
Some terms that can be perceived negatively are: “drug addict”, “abuser”, “junkie”,
“dope sick”, “substance abuser”.
Specifically, the use of language
towards someone with substance use disorder should include the following:
It should respect the dignity and worth of the
individual
Language should avoid negative stereotypes through
slang use
Promote the recovery process
Focus on the clinical nature of treatment and
the disorder
Why are words so important?
In 2015, around 20.8 million Americans
had an alcohol or drug use disorder. Additionally, 27.1 million people reported
illicit drug use in the past month. However, 89% of those individuals estimated
needed treatment did not receive any treatment services. While we cannot say
this is due to stigma, if you were labeled a certain way by admitting to having
an issue, would you seek out help?
It’s not on the same wavelength but
think back to elementary school and the kids wearing glasses. If they were
called “four eyes” on a consistent basis, did those kids choose to sit up close
in class and not utilize their glasses as much? Sure they did, they didn’t want
to face the stigma of not being considered “normal” by their peers.
We can work together to strike out stigma, and it starts with acceptance that addiction is not a choice. #StrikeOutStigma
Aspenti Health's summer campaign, "Strike Out Stigma", is focused on stigma reduction surrounding addiction.
What is stigma? Stigma is " a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person." In the sense of addiction, it can prevent those affected from getting the help they need due to the judgment they may face from those around them. Addiction is a disease, and should be treated as such in society.
Stigma surrounding addiction causes powerful and damaging negative self-esteems to the person in need of help contributing to higher rates of mental health concerns, incarceration, and even death.
The 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 21.5 million Americans age 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the previous year; however, sadly only 2.5 million received the specialized treatment they needed. While it’s not scientifically proven that these people did not get treatment because of stigma, the fact is that most insurances, housing facilities, and employment policies don’t offer help or support to those with drug addiction.
Recovery Brands asked a group in treatment for substance use
addiction to say some words on what they wished society would understand about
their condition (fig 1.).
Fig. 1
Stigma hurts those being affected by isolating them. It can cause mental
health ailments, self-harm, and an unwillingness to seek help or recovery
treatment. Of the individuals interviewed for the piece above, most cited stigma
coming from their loved ones, healthcare providers, and general society.
How can you help someone you know that has substance use disorder?
Offer them compassion, avoid using hurtful language that labels them, and see
them for who they really are, not just their addiction. If the person feels as
though you aren’t judging them, they’re more likely to open up to you which is
the first step in seeking out help. Please stay tuned for more blogs throughout
this summer on stigma reduction and stats surrounding stigma against those with
addiction disorder.
Sources:
Room, R. (2005). Stigma, social inequality and alcohol and drug use. Drug and alcohol review, 24(2), 143-155.
Language towards those with
substance use disorder is a crucial part of their recovery process. The words and
phrases we use frame the public perception on addiction and recovery, affecting
how individuals see themselves and their ability to change. How we address
those with substance use disorder can, intentionally or unintentionally, propel
stigma and create a mark of disgrace, dishonor and segregates the individual
from believing they can defeat their addiction.
Stigma decreases when the public
perceives individuals with addiction as not being responsible for causing
his/her problem and that they are unable to control it. Did you know that those
with substance use disorder are perceived more negatively than those with psychiatric
disabilities, although both are considered brain chemistry disorders?
By understanding that 50% of the
cause of addiction is genetics, and the rest is caused by the effects from the
substances on the nervous system, leading to changes in brain chemistry and
function that are impaired from use without the substance being present. Addiction
is technically a chronic brain disorder and while individuals affected can recover,
they need to have the utmost willpower to do so. Utilizing positive reinforcement
and language helps that recovery process initiate, especially coming from
doctors, family members, and counselors.
The accurate and clinical
terminology for someone battling addiction is a “Substance Use Disorder Patient”.
Some terms that can be perceived negatively are: “drug addict”, “abuser”, “junkie”,
“dope sick”, “substance abuser”.
Specifically, the use of language
towards someone with substance use disorder should include the following:
It should respect the dignity and worth of the
individual
Language should avoid negative stereotypes through
slang use
Promote the recovery process
Focus on the clinical nature of treatment and
the disorder
Why are words so important?
In 2015, around 20.8 million Americans
had an alcohol or drug use disorder. Additionally, 27.1 million people reported
illicit drug use in the past month. However, 89% of those individuals estimated
needed treatment did not receive any treatment services. While we cannot say
this is due to stigma, if you were labeled a certain way by admitting to having
an issue, would you seek out help?
It’s not on the same wavelength but
think back to elementary school and the kids wearing glasses. If they were
called “four eyes” on a consistent basis, did those kids choose to sit up close
in class and not utilize their glasses as much? Sure they did, they didn’t want
to face the stigma of not being considered “normal” by their peers.
We can work together to strike out stigma, and it starts with acceptance that addiction is not a choice. #StrikeOutStigma
