Be Intentional: Center Conversations on Preventing Youth Substance Use

BE INTENTIONAL: CENTER CONVERSATIONS ON PREVENTING YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE

Language matters when talking about substance use and the people who experience it

Your words have power. The way we speak and the language we choose shapes how others understand what we’re saying and what we stand for. This is especially true when it comes to substance use and the people impacted by it. That's why it's important to steer clear of language that’s negative, judgmental, or loaded with hidden insults. This helps reduce stigma and encourages compassion. One of the best ways to do that is by using person-first language.

WHAT IS STIGMA, AND HOW DOES IT SHOW UP IN OUR WORDS?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), stigma is a set of negative beliefs that a group or society holds about a topic or group of people. It often leads to discrimination, exclusion, and feelings of shame. Stigmatizing language includes labels that blame or reduce a person to their condition. For example, calling someone an "addict" suggests they’re at fault for something that is a health issue.

This kind of stigma often comes from a lack of understanding about how substance use disorders develop. Many factors—like biology, environment, and life experiences—can increase someone's risk.

WHAT IS PERSON-FIRST LANGUAGE?

Person-first language puts the person before their diagnosis or behavior. It’s a way of showing respect and reducing stigma. For example, instead of saying “addict,” you might say “a person with a substance use disorder” or “someone in recovery.” It also means recognizing that the words we use can reflect larger systems of power—like racism, classism, or unfair punishment. Using respectful language pushes back against those systems. It helps us see people for whom they are beyond their substance use and reminds us that everyone deserves care and support.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Stigmatizing language can fuel harmful stereotypes and increase fear or shame for people living with substance use disorders. That can keep people from getting help. When someone feels judged, they’re less likely to reach out for support. And it doesn’t just affect individuals—healthcare providers and others in positions of power may also internalize these biases, which can affect how they treat people who use substances. As peers and community members, we can make a difference by shifting the narrative.

It’s also important to know that some people may choose to reclaim certain words as part of their identity—that’s okay. Our role isn’t to correct them, but to model respectful language and kindly ask what terms they prefer. That’s how we build trust and understanding.

A QUICK EXERCISE: WALK IN THEIR SHOES

Next time you're unsure about the words you're using, take a moment to reflect: How would you want to be spoken about if you were the one struggling with substance use? How would you want people to talk about your child? Your parents? Your best friend? Tip: If you hear someone use a harmful term, picture a loved one in their place. Would you want them described that way?

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE: SAY THIS… NOT THAT… BECAUSE…

Say This

Substance use, substance use disorder, high-risk use

Not That

Drug abuse, junkie, druggie

Why

“Abuse” sounds criminal, not clinical. Words like “junkie” shame people instead of recognizing their health condition.

Say This

Person with a substance use disorder

Not That

Addict, alcoholic, junkie, etc.

Why

Puts the person first, not their condition.

Say This

Person in recovery

Not That

Ex-addict, reformed addict

Why

“In recovery” is empowering—it shows progress, not just the past.

Say This

Positive/negative urine test

Not That

Clean/dirty test

Why

“Dirty” has a negative connotation; clinical terms are more respectful.

Say This

Ongoing recovery

Not That

Staying clean

Why

“Clean” implies that the person was previously “dirty,” which is harmful.

REFERENCES

• Salud con Lupa. (2023). *Tus palabras importan: un vocabulario para reaprender sobre abuso de drogas*. https://saludconlupa.com/salud-mental/tus-palabras-importan-un-vocabulario-para-reaprender-sobre-abuso-de-drogas/

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Stigma and discrimination. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/stigma-and-discrimination.pdf

• National Council for Mental Wellbeing. (2021). *Language matters when discussing substance use.*

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). *Words matter: Terms to use and avoid when talking about addiction.*