Overtime: Words Matter - Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction

Coach Blu and Athletic Director Marissa talk about words to use when addressing addiction and the stigma around addiction and disorders. Stigma is a discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma about people with SUD might include inaccurate or unfounded thoughts like they are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, or at fault for their condition. It is important in adopting “person-centered” language. For example, instead of calling someone “mentally ill,” a more respectful, people-first way of phrasing it is to say “a person living with a mental health condition.” Words like “addict,” “alcoholic,” and “abuser” put a strong emphasis on the person rather than the disorder. Our focus should be on the person, not the behavior, disease or disability. Here is a great resource on this great topic. https://nida.nih.gov/nidamed-medical-health-professionals/health-professions-education/words-matter-terms-to-use-avoid-when-talking-about-addiction 

Blu also explains what the name Addict II Athlete means and why it's important.