It can be overwhelming to try to help a friend or loved one with substance use disorder (SUD). So much is out of your control. There is, however, one easy step you can take that can help anyone suffering from an SUD. The fear of judgment can prevent people, especially adolescents, from acknowledging their illness and trying to get treatment. The words you use when describing SUDs can either contribute to this fear — or help reduce it.
You are likely familiar with many offensive words used to describe addiction, but you might not realize that some other words are judgmental as well. The word “alcoholic,” for example, suggests that overuse of alcohol is caused by one’s personality, not an illness. Even the Cambridge Dictionary definition is troubling, with the word “habit” used even though we know alcoholism is an illness, not a conscious choice. When it comes to drug misuse, a similar problematic term is “addict.” If you think of the images that come to mind when you use that word, you’ll know not to say it again.
Instead, think of the person first. To say “a person with a disorder” is much kinder than putting the disorder front and center, as if that is all that person is. Keep in mind too that “with a disorder” gets at the range of possibilities and levels when it comes to addiction instead of characterizing anyone who struggles with any drug or alcohol misuse as the same. A person eager to avoid being seen as an “addict” might feel more comfortable seeking treatment if described as having a “disorder.”
In addition, consider how frequently we use the term “staying clean” to reference someone who is on the path to healing instead of better words, like “in recovery” or “in remission.” Even the term “drug abuse,” which is still frequently used, suggests that someone is making deliberate attempts to misuse substances. “Use” is a far better choice. There are numerous lists on health sites of terms that stigmatize those with SUDs and even pledges to be more thoughtful in how we talk about such disorders, such as this one on Johns Hopkins Medicine: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/stigma-of-addiction/pledge.
It can be difficult to stop using words we have used for a long time, and it can seem like every few years or so, we’re asked to use new ones. Just keep in mind what’s at stake. According to a government survey published last fall, only 24% of those 12 years old and older in 2022 who were categorized as needing treatment for SUDs received it. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) also noted that in that year not even 1% of adolescents with an SUD sought treatment. If the right words can start increasing the numbers of those in treatment, why not use them?
If you or a loved one needs assistance with an SUD, contact the information and referral helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), which is offered 24-7 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for not only those with mental and/or substance use disorders, but also for their families. These services are offered in both Spanish and English. If in crisis and in need of immediate assistance, call, chat or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 in English or Spanish.
Local help is also available. Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center provides comprehensive mental health services, including treatment for substance use disorders. Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Adult Addiction offers outpatient care and treatment for clients with addictions to drugs, alcohol or gambling. You can find the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Caring Recovery Opioid Treatment Program, which provides support for those with opioid addiction, at its new location, 3419 English Ave. Please call 317-880-8491 for information on any of these services.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D., family medicine specialist with Eskenazi Health Center Grande