SAY THIS:
PERSON IN ACTIVE ADDICTION
PERSON WITH A SUBSTANCE MISUSE DISORDER
PERSON EXPERIENCING AN ALCOHOL/DRUG PROBLEM
Why it works: these modifiers give identity to individuals as people, rather than labeling them by their illness.
SUBSTANCE MISUSE DISORDER
ALCOHOL AND DRUG DISORDER (OR DISEASE)
Why it works: By incorporating disorder or disease, these terms reinforce the medical nature of the condition.
PERSON WHO MISUSES ALCOHOL/ DRUGS
HAS A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION (OR DIAGNOSIS)
Why it works: conveys the message that an individual's total identity is not his or her illness label, rather, he or she is a full person that happens to have the experience of mental illness.
ADDICTION-FREE
Why it works: Indicates the patient is free from the dangerous compulsive behaviors of addiction. Less stigmatizing than “clean” or “sober” yet shows the person is no longer in active addiction.
PERSON WITH A SUBSTANCE MISUSE DISORDER
PERSON EXPERIENCING AN ALCOHOL/DRUG PROBLEM
Why it works: these modifiers give identity to individuals as people, rather than labeling them by their illness.
SUBSTANCE MISUSE DISORDER
ALCOHOL AND DRUG DISORDER (OR DISEASE)
Why it works: By incorporating disorder or disease, these terms reinforce the medical nature of the condition.
PERSON WHO MISUSES ALCOHOL/ DRUGS
HAS A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION (OR DIAGNOSIS)
Why it works: conveys the message that an individual's total identity is not his or her illness label, rather, he or she is a full person that happens to have the experience of mental illness.
ADDICTION-FREE
Why it works: Indicates the patient is free from the dangerous compulsive behaviors of addiction. Less stigmatizing than “clean” or “sober” yet shows the person is no longer in active addiction.
NOT THAT:
ADDICT
JUNKIE
ABUSER
HABIT
DRUG HABIT
USER
CRAZY/PSYCHO INSANE/LUNATIC
CLEAN
JUNKIE
ABUSER
HABIT
DRUG HABIT
USER
CRAZY/PSYCHO INSANE/LUNATIC
CLEAN
