Change your language

“Words have the power to build up or destroy a person. We can be part of the solution.”

Marissa Angerer
Mother, Friend, Lawyer, Person in Recovery

Words shape how we view people and how we treat them.

Changing our language improves outcomes for those struggling with addiction.

Instead of this…	Say this*
Abuse Drug problem/habit	Substance Use Disorder (SUD), addiction (if clinically accurate) Use (for illicit drugs); misuse, (for prescription drugs)
Addict Druggie/Drug Abuser Junkie	Person with a SUD (person with OUD if relevant) Patient with a SUD (if in a clinical setting)
Addicted to [ x ]	Has a [ x ] use disorder
Clean or Stayed clean	Substance-free

* Remember not to tell those who have experience with addiction how to talk about their own story.