LANGUAGE MATTERS

When words are used inappropriately to describe individuals with a Substance use disorder, it not only negatively distorts societal perceptions of their illness but also feeds into the stigma that can prevent individuals from seeking help.

One goal of the Community Change Team was to create a common language. Below you will find our glossary of terms. There can be many ways to define words, these are the definitions we are choosing to stick with as a group.