Though substance use is beginning to receive increased attention in politics and the media, in research, and in advocacy efforts, addiction still seems to be largely misunderstood. Similar to other aspects of mental health, the language we use to describe the use of alcohol and other drugs may be to blame for the persistent perpetuation of stigma and negative perspectives that promote shame among those affected by these disorders rather than help-seeking behaviours. In the article "To Address Addiction, Start With Words", the author (an addictions medicine physician) delves into this subject and encourages us to reconsider the use of terms like "clean" vs "dirty" and "addicts", as how we portray substance use and those affected can have a powerful impact.
"Elsewhere in medicine, people with chronic conditions also are not defined by their disease, especially when being seen for care. For example, patients admitted to a hospital for depression are not called "depressives" even if they are involuntarily committed after a suicide attempt. Yet individuals with substance use disorders are called "addicts" far more than "patients." "Addict" conjures up a bad person who belongs in a jail cell, not someone worthy of receiving high quality medical care. "
"Elsewhere in medicine, people with chronic conditions also are not defined by their disease, especially when being seen for care. For example, patients admitted to a hospital for depression are not called "depressives" even if they are involuntarily committed after a suicide attempt. Yet individuals with substance use disorders are called "addicts" far more than "patients." "Addict" conjures up a bad person who belongs in a jail cell, not someone worthy of receiving high quality medical care. "
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