Preferred Language for Speaking About Substance Use and Reducing Harm

In a collaborative effort to build awareness around the topic of harm reduction for individuals experiencing addiction, we would like to share some guiding best practices. As experts in the field of substance use treatment and recovery, you may already be aware of this guidance, but it seemed like a good opportunity to reinforce these practices for all of us.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes the importance of using appropriate and non-stigmatizing language when discussing addiction. They suggest that the words we use can either contribute to stigma and discrimination that may cause harm to the individual or promote understanding and empathy toward individuals struggling with addiction.

We recognize that your work is valuable and impactful, and we hope to share this common language with you to promote compassion and awareness for those you serve and their families and friends. Below are some best practices to reduce harm when supporting individuals experiencing substance use disorder.

Best Practices:

  1. Avoid Stigmatizing Language: Words like "addict," "drug abuser," or "substance abuser" can be stigmatizing and reduce individuals' willingness to seek help. Instead, use “person-first” language that separates the person from their condition, such as "person with a substance use disorder."

  2. Emphasize Person-Centered Language: Highlighting the individual's humanity and value helps reduce stigma. For example, using "people in recovery" instead of "addicts in treatment."

  3. Focus on Medical Terminology: Addiction is recognized as a medical condition, so using medical terminology like "substance use disorder" or "opioid use disorder" can help reduce stigma and promote understanding of addiction as a health issue.

  4. Avoid Judgmental Language: Words like "clean" or "dirty" when referring to drug test results can be considered judgmental and may contribute to stigma. Instead, use neutral terms like "positive" or "negative."

  5. Use Language That Promotes Hope and Recovery: Words like "recovery," "treatment," and "support" can promote a positive outlook and encourage individuals to seek help and stay engaged in their recovery journey.

We hope to emphasize the power of language in shaping attitudes and perceptions about addiction and encourage using language that is respectful, non-stigmatizing, and supportive of individuals facing substance use disorders to reduce harm. Below are a few resources to share with co-workers, or with friends and family supporting individuals in treatment or recovery. Please take some time to review the resources below.

Resources:

 

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.112 Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.112-1113 The Federal awarding agency must establish conflict of interest policies for Federal awards. The non-Federal entity must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency policy. Failure to adhere to these statues will result in immediate termination of funding.

Virginia’s State Opioid Response (SOR) grant is awarded at the discretion of DBHDS and SAMHSA. All recipients of SOR funding supports evidence-based prevention, treatment and recovery services to address opioid and stimulant misuse and use disorders, including for cocaine and methamphetamine. The SOR grant is not intended to be utilized as a long-term or permanent funding source. All SOR proposals must include a realistic plan for financial sustainability beyond the grant period.