We all can agree that the words we use matter – regardless the subject – they matter. But as a person who has been working for over 15 years to use current scientific research to shatter the stigma, misinformation and shame that surrounds substance use disorders and mental health disorders (until recently, more commonly known as addiction and mental illness), the words we use to talk about those who have these disorders and how they developed these disorders REALLY matters.

People don’t choose to have a severe substance use disorder (addiction), any more than they choose to have heart disease or diabetes. We don’t talk about people with heart disease or diabetes as if they were their disease. We know both are medical health conditions. And we are grateful that society’s understanding of these medical health conditions makes it easy for people with these medical health conditions to seek and receive the treatment they need — even if their disease “relapses.” At no point along the way do we blame them for having their disease.

Unfortunately, we’re still a long ways from doing this with substance use and mental health disorders and recovery. So, it is my honor to share today’s guest post by Shelley Richanbach.

Shelley is a recovery activist, certified drug and alcohol counselor (CDAC), and an expressive arts educator. She founded Next Steps for Women in 2009, and for over a decade, she has provided development, support, counseling and coaching for women of all ages and ambitions. She has led expressive arts workshops and environmental arts and play programs, as well. Her passions include dance and performance, working and playing in nature, and reducing stigma attached to behavioral health and recovery. She is also the Associate Producer and Recovery advocate for the documentary film, The Creative High, (currently in post production), which features working artists who’ve faced addiction. Shelley is also a close friend of mine and an incredible human being 🙂

The Words We Use Matter – Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health Disorder, Recovery by Shelley Richanbach

At two separate dining tables last weekend I heard others describe their family members in, what I found to be, heart-breaking words.a ”

One gentleman declared that his father was a “raging alcoholic!”

I asked if his father found sobriety? He answered, “Yes.”

I wondered out loud if he could imagine his father in a different light, and said, “It sounds like your father suffered with a substance use disorder and later found recovery.” The expression on his face shifted. 

The next evening, a friend shared that her sister had died. She then added that this sister was filled with demons and was a “terrible addict;” that she could rarely stay “clean and sober.” Condolences were shared around the table.

Afterwards, I added, “I’m sorry that your sister suffered and died with perhaps some mental health challenges and an untreated substance use disorder.” With a quizzical look of insight, my friend’s 21 year-old reflected, “Gosh, that’s a nice way to put it.” 

The power of language is strong, and the stigma is so deeply felt. The outmoded descriptors — addict, junkie, abuse, abuser, clean, dirty — are harmful and are proven to induce a bias.

This is beyond political correctness. Harvard Medical School Professor, John Kelly adds, “It’s not just a matter of being nice. What we now know is that actual exposure to these specific terms induces this implicit cognitive bias.” AND stigma continues to be a barrier to treatment. 

I trust with my whole heart neither the gentleman’s father nor my friend’s sister asked for this disease.

I didn’t ask for it. Nobody asks for or wants to live with mental health challenges or substance use disorder. Nobody wants to live with cancer, diabetes, asthma, or hypertension, either. 

My hope today is that by being bold and advocating for revising the language of addiction I can make a difference. 

I invite you to take notice during this social time of year. When do you hear stigma language, and when do you hear medically accurate language?

I’m curious.

And I invite you to do something along the lines of what I did – gently invite them to think and talk about substance use and mental health disorders differently.

To Learn More About…

Substance Use Disorders (aka addiction) click here

Treatment Approaches – click here

Mental Health Disorders (aka Mental Illness) click here

the Terms Alcohol Abuse | Alcoholism | Alcohol Use Disorder | Substance Use Disorder click here