Breaking Stigma

Stigma of substance use and addiction is discrimination, and comes from "antiquated and inaccurate beliefs" that people who use drugs are "are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, or at fault for their condition" (NIH, 2021). Stigmatizing language reinforces negative perceptions of people who use drugs instead of recognizing that drug use is "complex, multifaceted phenomenon, encompasses a continuum of behaviors from severe use to total abstinence" and is a chronic condition that can be treated (National Harm Reduction Coalition, n.d.; NIH, 2021).

Stigmatizing language can prevent people from seeking treatment, can impact the way others interact with people who use drugs, and can negatively impact the quality of health services people who use drugs receive (NIH, 2021). Person-first language seeks to "maintain the integrity of individuals as whole beings by removing language that equates people to their condition" (NIH, 2021).

Put the person first!

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021