
In today’s society, we get bombarded daily by stigmatizing language and images related to substance use disorder. Unfortunately, if we’re not consciously aware, these images become an intricate part of our belief system, finding their way into how we approach and address individuals. As drug court judges, we need to be keenly aware of stigmatizing words and actions because they communicate our attitudes, biases, and belief systems, and can be damaging to the very people we are trying to help.
As judges, clinicians, lawyers, and treatment providers, we have a role to play, educating others in changing deep-seated attitudes surrounding this serious health issue. The words we use really do matter and they can be damaging to the recovery process. Stigmatizing words create shame, hopelessness, and feelings of defeat that can derail someone’s recovery journey. We need to create an environment where participants believe they have what it takes to find recovery. But stigma significantly impedes that process.
When addressing individuals with a substance use or alcohol use disorder, always use person-first language. Instead of using stigmatizing terms, refer to them as “a person with a substance use disorder” or “a person with an alcohol use disorder.” This creates a feeling that the person experiences a problem rather than is the problem. When we refrain from using words like addict, substance abuser, alcoholic, drunk, etc., we avoid placing blame and labeling the person rather than their disease.
Another common misuse of words replaces clinical terminology with judgment about a person. For example, using words like clean or dirty instead of negative or positive for a toxicology report creates a feeling of unworthiness. Clinical test results for substance use disorder should be as non-stigmatizing as those for other diseases.
It is so important to remember that people are more than their addiction, that substance use disorder is treatable, and that most people do recover and go on to lead very productive, normal lives.
For a person with substance use disorder, being on the receiving end of stigma can create toxic self-stigma and embarrassment about their condition. This can be a significant reason why individuals avoid seeking help or are unsuccessful in treatment. We should avoid all language that insinuates blame, shame, or doubt.
Again, the words we use really do matter. Using the wrong words can make people feel like they can’t find recovery or—even worse—that they don’t deserve to find recovery. As judges in the treatment court profession, we need to create a healthy environment where people are validated for being more than their disease and feel valued and worthy of the services we are offering them.
Face Addiction Now (formerly known as Families Against Narcotics) offers stigma training throughout the state of Michigan. We constantly evaluate our materials and presentations to make sure we are addressing substance use disorder in a way that promotes long-lasting recovery and views substance use disorder as a disease and not a moral failing. Please reach out to faceadddictionnow.org for any of your training needs. We also offer a free online eBook called I’m Still A Person: The Stigma of Substance Use & The Power of Respect.
About the Author: Hon. Linda Davis (ret.) is the Executive Director of Face Addiction Now (F.A.N.) formerly known as Families Against Narcotics.
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