Changing Language to Change Care: Stigma and Substance Use Disorder
Description: Language can be used intentionally or unintentionally to perpetuate stigma. The language used towards people who use drugs or alcohol and people with addiction includes many stigmatizing terms which have been shown to increase negative attitudes among the public and clinicians. Examples include words like “abuse,” “abuser,” “addict,” and “dirty.” There are also more subtle ways that language can be used to frame issues related to addiction or substance use which can enhance stigma. Nationally there has been growing awareness around the importance of language and the need to use medically appropriate, person first terminology. Changing our language is a crucial component of reducing stigma to improve the lives and health of people who use drugs or alcohol and people with addiction. This module will discuss the importance of language when discussing substance use and review ways to improve language to improve care.
Decreasing stigma involving addiction begins with the medical profession
Description: Dr. Ayana Jordan, a Providers Clinical Support System Clinical expert, discusses the need for the medical profession to reduce stigma associated with treating patients with opioid use disorder.
Addiction, Stigma, and Discrimination: Implications for Treatment and Recovery
Description: International studies indicate that addiction to alcohol and other drugs are among the most stigmatized conditions in society and stigma is a major barrier to seeking treatment in the United States. Studies highlight several factors that influence the degree of stigma related to different health conditions and how these may lead to discrimination and poorer health outcomes. Recent research also underscores the importance of language and terminology in inducing implicit cognitive biases which may unconsciously affect clinicians’ and policymakers’ attitudes, judgments, and behaviors toward those suffering from addiction.
ATTC Anti-Stigma Toolkit: Guide to Reducing Addiction-Related Stigma
Stigma often makes addicted and recovering people, family and friends, treatment professionals, community activists, and other stakeholders feel powerless, angry, and frustrated. This guide is designed to help people become empowered and to provide practical tools by which people can become involved in stigma prevention activities.
This resource provides practical information about a variety of approaches to prevent addiction-related stigma. Some are especially simple and can be initiated by individuals on their own. These include tips on using stigma-free language and writing letters to the editor. Some approaches are comprehensive, such as developing a community action group and implementing a community-based campaign.