You know the feeling. That judgmental stare when someone finds out you’re in recovery. The assumptions made about what kind of person you must be. The hurtful labels used to describe you and your experience with addiction. It’s time we had an open and honest talk about the language surrounding substance use disorders. The words we choose can either heal or harm.
Addiction, a deeply intricate phenomenon, has long been obscured by misunderstanding and stigma. It’s defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder marked by compulsive drug seeking, despite harmful consequences. Addiction goes beyond mere behavioral choices affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
Yet, despite its prevalence, addiction remains plagued by misconceptions and judgment. Society often views it as a moral failing or a sign of weakness, perpetuating a stigma that prevents individuals from seeking help and accessing support.
At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we explore how to combat stigma and learn how we can adjust our vocabulary and recovery words to show compassion towards those impacted by this disease. With thoughtful language, people can play a role in breaking the barriers to addiction treatment. Recovery is possible, and it starts with the simple but powerful act of choosing our words carefully.
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What is Stigma?
Stigma refers to “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” Frequently, there is a stigma surrounding behaviors and actions that are perceived as different and outside the accepted norm. An illustration of this is the negative misconceptions surrounding individuals struggling with substance abuse, often originating from behavioral symptoms. There are numerous dismissive terms commonly used to label those with substance use disorders.
Studies have indicated that addiction faces more stigma compared to other health conditions. A recent research conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health revealed that drug addiction is perceived much more negatively than mental illness. Rather than addressing addiction as a public health issue, it is often treated as a moral and criminal problem. This is particularly evident in the case of addiction to illegal drugs, which is viewed more negatively than addiction to legal substances like alcohol or cigarettes. This stigma poses a significant challenge, as subsequent actions (such as criminalizing substance use behaviors) only worsen addiction stigma and further isolate those most in need of help.
For many individuals struggling with substance abuse, the stigma attached to addiction creates an additional obstacle to seeking treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of those with addiction issues seek and receive treatment. Stigma causes barriers to receiving addiction and mental health treatment, which our team at NIRC is helping to stop by providing access to high-quality addiction and mental health care.
Where Does the Stigma Around Addiction Come From?
The stigma surrounding addiction comes from a long history of misunderstanding substance use disorders. For centuries, society viewed addiction as a moral failing or character flaw rather than a health issue. This led to the belief that people with addiction lacked willpower or were bad people.
The “War on Drugs” campaign in the 1970s furthered the notion that addiction was a criminal issue that required punishment, not treatment. This campaign used fear and scare tactics to portray people with addiction as dangerous to society. As a result, many people still associate addiction with criminality today.
Negative and inaccurate stereotypes about addiction are common in media and popular culture. People with addiction are often depicted as manipulative, unreliable, or unable to live normal lives. These stereotypical portrayals fuel misunderstanding and discrimination, perpetuating stigmatizing words for addiction and widening the gap between individuals struggling with addiction and the assistance they require.
Families also sometimes stigmatize their loved ones with addiction due to a lack of education about the disease. They may view the person’s addiction behaviors and relapses as personal failures rather than symptoms of a chronic health condition. This can damage relationships and prevent people from seeking help.
The stigma around addiction is a harmful barrier to treatment and recovery. It leads to social isolation, job discrimination, lack of healthcare, and incarceration rather than medical care. By understanding where stigma comes from, we can work to change perceptions and create a more compassionate society. People with addiction deserve the same respect and support we provide for any other health issue. It’s time to move past stigma and see addiction for what it truly is – a disease that affects people from all walks of life.
How Stigmatizing Language Impacts People With Substance Use Disorders
Words have power. The language we use to talk about addiction and mental health issues can either empower or dehumanize people struggling with these diseases. When we use stigmatizing terms like “junkie,” “druggie,” or “alcoholic,” we frame addiction as a character flaw or moral failing rather than a health issue. This promotes discrimination and causes harm. Here’s how such stigmatizing words for addiction impact people:
Stigmatizing words strip individuals of their humanity and reduce them to their addiction, devaluing their inherent worth and dignity. This can lead to feelings of profound worthlessness and hopelessness, further isolating individuals and impeding their recovery journey.
Stigmatizing language erects formidable barriers for individuals seeking help by perpetuating shame and fear of judgment. They may be significantly less inclined to reach out for support due to profound concerns about being labeled, ostracized, or stigmatized, thus delaying or deterring their access to essential assistance.
Internalizing stigmatizing language can catalyze self-stigma, whereby individuals internalize negative societal perceptions and begin to view themselves through a lens of shame and unworthiness. This self-blame and belief in their inherent inadequacy can erode self-esteem and confidence, perpetuating a cycle of self-destructive behavior and hindering their ability to seek or accept help.
Stigmatizing words significantly contributes to poor mental health outcomes among individuals with addiction. By amplifying feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy, stigmatizing language exacerbates existing mental health challenges, intensifying stress, anxiety, and depression, and impeding the recovery process.
Stigmatizing language fuels social exclusion and isolation, erecting barriers to meaningful connection and support. Individuals grappling with addiction often face discrimination and prejudice from others influenced by stigmatizing beliefs, leading to social ostracism, marginalization, and a profound sense of alienation from their communities.
What are the Practical Ways to Remove Stigma When Discussing Addiction?
Removing stigma when discussing addiction is crucial for fostering understanding, empathy, and effective support systems. Here are some practical ways to achieve this:
When talking about addiction, say “a person with a substance use disorder” rather than “an addict.” This emphasizes that the person is separate from the disease. Likewise, say “person in recovery” not “former addict.” These small changes in language help frame addiction as a health issue and show respect for the people impacted.
Terms like “abuse” or “dependence” imply that addiction is a choice or moral failing. Instead, use clinically accurate terms like “substance use disorder.” Don’t label people as “alcoholics” or “drug addicts” —those terms promote stigma.
Addiction affects people of all backgrounds. When talking to someone with an addiction, see the whole person— their relationships, interests, values, and life experiences—not just their substance use. Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgment. Let the person share what they feel comfortable with.
Say things like: “Addiction is a difficult struggle, and I appreciate you sharing this with me.” Or, “Recovery is possible, and I support you fully.” Your words can make a difference in motivating someone to seek help. Share resources for treatment and support groups, and offer to help them explore options.
Share factual information about addiction as a disease, the latest treatments, and resources for help. Challenge myths and stereotypes when you encounter them. Educate people on the benefits of harm reduction strategies like needle exchange programs. Promote addiction resources in your local community. Together, we can create a society where people feel supported in overcoming this health issue.
We all have a role to play in creating a society where people with addiction feel supported in seeking help. Our words matter in shaping attitudes and fighting stigma. Using caring, inclusive, and medically accurate language is an important step toward empowering recovery.
Break the Cycle of Addiction at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Addiction is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions worldwide, but it doesn’t have to define one’s life. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we believe in breaking the cycle of addiction through comprehensive, personalized treatment and unwavering support. We understand the power of destigmatizing addiction through recovery words, which is why we prioritize language that promotes understanding, compassion, and empowerment.
Our evidence-based treatment programs, tailored to individual needs, address the root causes of addiction while providing the tools and resources for lasting recovery. From medical detox and therapy services to holistic therapy, we’re dedicated to guiding individuals toward a life free from the grip of addiction. With our compassionate team by your side, recovery is not just possible; it’s achievable. Contact us today!
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.