Terms To Avoid In Talking About Addiction

When talking about someone with substance use disorder or an addiction - or when healthcare professionals speak with patients - it’s important to avoid stigmatizing language. Using terms like “opioid addicts” or “alcohol abusers” can come across as dehumanizing. To combat this, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has given guidance in an effort to reduce stigma.

Person-first language maintains the integrity of the individual.

• Refer to a patient as a “person with a substance use disorder” or “a person with an opioid addiction” - this separates the person from their addiction.

• Instead of saying “former addict” say “a person in recovery.”

Avoid words that can undermine a person’s recovery.

• “Habit” implies that a person can just choose to stop their addiction or disorder.

• “Clean” is stigmatizing - avoid when describing a person in recovery.

Keep in mind: substance use disorder does not end when a patient stops relying on drugs. Recovery can be a lifelong struggle. Using certain words, even if they are well-intended, can reinforce negative bias or lead a person to avoid treatment.