Changing Language to Change Care: Stigma and Substance Use Disorder
Changing Language to Change Care is organized by Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS).
Expiration Date: Jan 12, 2026
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.
Educational Objectives:
• Describe three examples of stigma in the way the medical system approaches people with substance use disorder
• Understand the importance of using medically appropriate language for substance use disorder
• Use accurate and person-centered terminology when discussing substance use disorder
