In our country, misconception and stigma about substance use disorder go hand in hand. With the words “drugs,” “addiction,” and addict comes negative connotations. Even in this day and age, people still see addiction, or substance use disorder, as a moral failing, a character flaw, a lack of willpower, or plain old selfishness. Such notions hinder individuals from getting the help they need.
In a research finding spear-headed by US Drug Czar Michael Botticelli, it says, ““Research shows that the language we use to describe this disease can either perpetuate or overcome the stereotypes, prejudice and lack of empathy that keep people from getting treatment they need.” After all, addiction is indeed a disease caused by genetic, environmental, and (personal) historical factors. It is not a moral failing, a character flaw, a weakness, a lack of willpower.
The findings of this study resulted in a list of suggested language that must be used in order to help reduce the stereotype and prejudices associated with substance use disorders.
Here are the list of words suggested in order for us to change the way we talk about Substance Use Disorder. This list was published by Huffington Post, in an article titled, “Here’s One Simple Way We Can Change The Conversation About Drug Abuse” published March 3, 2015.
Image grabbed from Huffington Post
Using the above-mentioned terms can help not only in keeping political correctness, but above all, in associating drug abuse disorder to a real, legitimate, clinical disorder. This also helps decrease the stigma and encourage the idea that this condition indeed needs to be treated instead of punished or maligned.
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