Words matter. In every situation, the words we use carry weight. The right words can empower and build us up and the wrong words can tear us down. When it comes to mental health and addiction recovery, words mean everything.

Stigma surrounding addiction is rooted in the language we use. Shame is one of the most significant barriers to recovery. It can cause people living with substance use disorders to internalize stigma, leading them to believe they’re undeserving of help or incapable of change. This often leads to feelings of hopelessness and continued substance use as a coping mechanism. According to a 2021 report by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), only about 1 in 10 people with a substance use disorder receive treatment. Stigma is a major reason many don’t seek help.

Much of the language historically used to describe addiction carries negative connotations. We must ensure our communication shows love, respect, and hope in recovery. Words should reflect empathy and dignity.

When people are labeled a “substance abuser” or an “addict”, it sends a message that they are defined by their condition. This strips them of any hope that they can grow and change. In reality, relapse is often part of the continuum of recovery. But if the language around relapse is negative, people may hide their struggles out of fear of being shamed. Recovery is not linear. Setbacks are not failures; they are part of the journey.

Consider type 2 diabetes. This diagnosis often develops later in life and can be influenced by lifestyle factors. Yet as a society, we don’t blame people with diabetes or shame them for their condition. The same principle should apply to addiction: it is a disease, and people living with it should not be blamed or faulted.

Despite progress in shifting the conversation, harmful misconceptions remain. One is that people with substance use disorders are choosing to continue or return to use. In reality, changes in brain chemistry drive cravings. Another misconception is that if someone attempts to enter recovery more than once and returns to use, they will never achieve sobriety. But just as with diabetes, it can take trial and error to find the right treatment. No one should feel guilty for not succeeding on the first attempt.

Unfortunately, harmful language is still common, often out of habit or lack of education. Terms like “clean” and “dirty” are used to describe drug screening results or substance use status. This implies that people who use substances are inherently dirty, perpetuating damaging stereotypes.

The solution is person-first language. Instead of saying someone is an addict, say they have a substance use disorder or are in recovery. This approach acknowledges the person before the condition. It shifts the conversation from blame to compassion, and from judgment to understanding.

It is up to us to normalize recovery as part of everyday life and as something that shouldn’t be hidden, but as something that is possible. The best way to do this is by talking about it. Acknowledge National Recovery Month and join conversations that support recovery. Share accurate, educational information on social media. And if you use outdated language, don’t be afraid to correct yourself. Small shifts make a difference.

Language is one of the most powerful tools we have in breaking down stigma. By choosing words that respect and humanize, we help create a culture where people feel safe to seek help and are supported in their recovery. This September, and every month, let’s commit to speaking with compassion. Recovery is possible, and the way we talk about it can help make it a reality.

Mandi Ryan is the Vice President of Healthcare Integration at Centerstone, a non-profit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder services. Learn more at Centerstone.org.