The language we use as we speak and write about the use of drugs and alcohol, about persons with substance use disorders and in recovery matter and either direct communication toward or away from the stigma associated with these conditions. Such stigma keeps people from seeking the help and support they need. It also perpetuates punitive rather than supportive policies and practices.
The Recovery Research Institute has developed a dictionary (addictionary) of terms that can better describe many elements of substance use and the related disorders and issues.
