Language & Addiction: Impact on Perception 🗣️

When discussing addiction, it's important to recognize that the language that we use to describe the person affected plays an enormous role in how we view them, but more importantly, how they view themselves.

Terms like "Alkie", "Junkie", "Addict", "Alcoholic", and "Substance Abuser" imply that the person who is struggling is the problem. Terms like "Substance Use Disorder" or a "person affected by addiction" helps us separate the person from the disease. When we do this, we reduce the associated stigma and help look at the affected person as someone with an affliction as opposed to a "bad person". We separate the disease of addiction from the person affected by it.

Next time you're discuss addiction, think about the terminology you use to describe it! Notice how you feel when you say addict or alcoholic. What's the imagery that comes to mind? Now, notice what comes to mind when you say "person struggling with a substance use disorder". Feels softer and more acceptable right?

If we want people to get help, we have to help them by reducing the shame they feel about their disorder.

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

https://BlakeEvanCohen.com

Https://NextLevelRecoveryAssociates.com

Blake E. Cohen
Certified Addictions Professional
Co-Founder/ Coach/ Interventionist
Next Level Recovery Associates Inc
Best Selling Author of "I Love You, More: Short Stories of Addiction, Recovery, and Loss from the Family's Perspective"
Available on Amazon and Audible