Most of us remember being a child and repeatedly hearing the phrase, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Then the older we got, the more we realized how unbelievably false that statement is. Words can definitely hurt, a lot. I have written about the new push to stop referring to those struggling with drug and alcohol problems as “addicts” and “junkies,” among other names. The latest “bad” addiction-related buzz word, according to a recent HuffPo opinion piece is “abuse.”
Beat It, “Abuse”
The author of the op-ed, Brooke M. Feldman, is personally in recovery from substance use disorder and an active behavioral health advocate in Philadelphia. She argues that a total removal of the word “abuse” from any discussion revolving around substance use disorder is absolutely necessary. She claims it must happen in order to make any progress in the fight to reduce the negative stigma about the condition and help more people feel comfortable seeking help. Additionally, she insists “abuse” should not only be stripped from all language associated with people struggling with addiction but also from all titles of official organizations created to help combat the issue.
In some ways, I see her point but where do we draw the line? Do we work to change the actual language or to reduce the power behind the language? Truth be told, I even second-guessed myself for writing “addiction“ a few sentences ago. But as a writer, how many times can I use the term “substance use disorder” without sounding redundant?
Is Moderation Possible with Lingo?
I agree with the push to take the word out of the titles of large organizations, like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), for example. But I don’t think it can ever be completely erased from the lexicon. After all, it is an accurate description of the actions of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder. It’s a much more broad term than say, “junkie” or even “alcoholic.” Sometimes we need certain words to get the point across. If anything, acknowledging that someone is “abusing” something might hammer home the dire nature of the situation. Calling the person an “abuser” might be taking it a step too far. Stating someone is engaging in a certain behavior isn’t the same as harshly branding them with a unfavorable title. But again, where does one draw the line?
Perhaps there could be an effort to make words with a similar meaning more regularly used terms for the condition of being unable to stop drinking or using drugs despite negative consequences. I took the liberty of checking the thesaurus for some synonyms for “abuse” when it’s used as a noun. Some gentler sounding terms that could be integrated into everyday recovery lingo include “misuse” and “mismanage.” “Misapplication” and “mishandling” also seem pretty safe and non-stigma and shame inducing. Some ones to probably to steer clear of: “debasement,” “delinquency,” “prostitution” (yep, it’s listed) and “sin” (also listed).
The Ultimate Insult
Why does the word “abuse” make so many humans shudder? It is a harsh word laced with many negative connotations. It’s strongly associated with physical violence against those who are weak or defenseless. Feldman cites the writings of well known addiction expert William W. White on this exact issue quite often in her plea, indicating this movement isn’t necessarily a new concept. He writes that there is something about this word in particular that makes some people see alcoholism or drug addiction as a moral failing. As if the decision to “abuse” is completely voluntary and those who are abusing should just be able to stop. Everything in moderation, right? Alas, if only it were just that simple. We’d all be our ideal weight and rap songs about clubbing all weekend wouldn’t exist. Oh, and there wouldn’t be rehabs for beer “misuse” either.
Are We There Yet?
The article, which is essentially a long rant on how terrible the word “abuse” is and the importance of removing it from the language around substance use disorder, has an interesting footnote. Below the piece, there is a small italicized insert that reads, “Need help with substance abuse or mental health issues?” followed by contact information for SAMHSA.
Clearly, there is still work to be done. But will it be harder help people identify substance use disorder if we can’t just call it what it is?
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