Cailyn Green, Empire State University – Changing to a Person-Centered Approach When Referring to Substance Use Clients

Changing the language of terms we use to refer to people suffering from addiction can be key, even if they self-identify with the terminology.

Cailyn Green, assistant professor of addiction studies in the school of human services at Empire State University, explains why.

Cailyn Green, MS, Ph.D., Masters-CASAC is the Assistant Professor of Addiction Studies at SUNY Empire State University. Her research in the substance use field a supported by her past clinical experience. She earned her BA degree in psychology from Wester New England University, her MS degree in forensic mental health from Sage Graduate School and her Ph.D. in criminal justice with a specialization in addiction science from Walden University. Dr. Green is also a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor in New York State. Dr. Greens area of expertise is supporting clinicians who work in the addiction field to best serve their clients. She spent her hands on clinical time working directly with the recently incarcerated population.

Changing to a Person-Centered Approach When Referring to Substance Use Clients

The substance use field is moving away from the word addict and towards a more person-centered approach by using the term substance user. Addressing the use of the term ‘addict’ is important as it is stigmatizing towards clients seeking support. It is challenging for academics and treatment providers to adjust the language they use. While some clients incorporate “old-school terminology such as addict/alcoholic” into their recovery journey, as professionals it is our responsibility to use professional language and avoid such labels.  

Research collected from participants of 12-Step Meetings identified some individuals in recovery may choose to self-identify with the term ‘addict’ or ‘alcoholic’. While these findings provide a voice to the individuals in recovery, using first-person language places emphasis on the client rather than their disorder. An example of using appropriate first-person language is a “person with a substance use disorder”. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides guidelines on how the professional community can change the stigma associated with people affected by substance use/abuse disorders. They recommend when professionals talk with or about a client affected by a substance use disorder, they use first-person language as it separates the person from their disorder. It recognizes that the client is more than just their diagnosis.

Studies identified that health care professionals often have negative attitudes towards clients with substance use issues. Moreover, those attitudes are recognized and internalized by clients, and it adversely affects their trust in the practitioner and reduces their sense of hope and recovery. Professionals in healthcare, human services, psychology, social work, and addiction treatment actively work to change terminology and use language that positively supports clients.