Mental health & crisis management 7 APRIL qui z

Introduction to this week's topic

The language we use has a direct and profound impact on those around us. The negative impacts of stigma can be reduced by changing the language we use about substance use.

Two key principles include:

· Using neutral, medically accurate terminology when describing substance use

· Using “people-first” language, that focuses first on the individual or individuals, not the action (e.g. “people who use drugs”)

It is also important to make sure that the language we use to talk about substance use is respectful and compassionate.

· People who use drugs

· Instead of “addicts” use people who use drugs

· Instead of “junkies” use people with a substance use disorder

· Instead of “users” use people with lived/living experience

· Instead of “drug abusers” use people with lived/living experience

· Instead of “recreational drug user” use person who occasionally uses drugs

· People who have used drugs

· Instead of “former drug addict” use people who have used drugs

· Instead of referring to a person as being “clean” use people with lived/living experience or people in recovery

· Drug use

. substance/drug use

. substance use disorder/ opioid use disorder

. problematic [drug] use

. [drug] dependence

. Instead of “substance/drug abuse” or “substance/drug misuse” use:

This document was created in discussion with people with lived and living experience, through existing research and documentation from other organizations trying to address stigma. This is not an exhaustive list. Furthermore, as a result of the evolving discussion around the best language to use to accurately discuss substance use, this list will likely be revised.