Words Matter

It is important to use non stigmatizing language when talking about substance use disorder.

Words to Avoid	Words to Use
Substance abuser, addict, abuser, junkie	Someone with substance use disorder
Drug abuse	Substance use disorder (SUD)
​Clean	Person in recovery, not taking drugs, abstinent
Dirty	Actively using
Treatment is the goal	Treatment is the one path to recovery
Relapse	Return to substance use

References:

Allison Bradbury. (2019, January 14). Recovery and Recovery Support | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery

University, U. S. (n.d.). Reducing Stigma Towards Opioid Use Disorder Treatment. Extension.usu.edu. https://extension.usu.edu/heart/research/reducing-stigma-towards-opioid-use-disorder-treatment

Words Matter: Boston Medical Center Changes How We Talk and Think About Addiction. (2020, January 21). America’s Essential Hospitals. https://essentialhospitals.org/words-matter-boston-medical-center-changes-talk-think-addiction/