Defining Substance Use Disorder
At ARCNH we specialize in providing resources that support long term recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). We’ve talked in previous blog posts about what some of those resources are. We went into detail about Recovery Coaching (embed link here) and we discussed our referral services (embed link here) but we have yet to cover exactly what Substance Use Disorder is. So let’s dive into it.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
SAMSHA, or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, defines Substance Use Disorder as ;
“when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.”
The American Society of Addiction Medicine, or ASAM, defines addiction as;
“a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.”
Understanding the Definitions
The term SUD covers many conditions which include Alcohol Use Disorder, Opioid Use Disorder, or non-medical use of any substance including; nicotine, prescription medications, stimulants, hallucinogens, or cannabis. While the above definitions of SUDs seem pretty cut and dry the reality of what SUDs is is much more complicated. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that about 50% of individuals with SUDs have co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD or PTSD. SUD does not occur in a bubble likewise, it isn’t a condition with a singular or simple cause.
Like all medical conditions everyone has varying risks for acquiring a SUD. Among the risks that can lead to SUDs are genetics, personal stress, personal trauma, pre-existing mental health conditions, or a family history of trauma or extreme stress which (studies show) can cause genetic changes that predispose individuals to be at higher risk of developing a SUD. Once an individual finds themselves struggling with a Substance Use Disorder, the nature of the disorder makes it increasingly more difficult to achieve recovery. According to NIMH; “ brain changes in people with mental disorders may enhance the rewarding effects of substances, making it more likely they will continue to use the substance” and “substance use may trigger changes in brain structure and function that make a person more likely to develop a mental disorder.” As we can see, SUDs are not as simple as the media sometimes makes them out to be. What is actually true about people with Substance Use Disorders is that they are people struggling with a complex and difficult condition. Like all of us they deserve kindness and compassion. Unfortunately, that is not always what is received.
The Stigma Barrier
The language that surrounds Substance Use Disorder in media, in society and even in medicine is often highly stigmatized and can be derogatory. This is problematic not just because it is hurtful but because the stigma of SUD is also a huge barrier to recovery for many. According to ASAM in a study performed in 2017, “28% of individuals in need of substance use treatment reported not obtaining help due to stigma”. Changing the language we use when discussing SUDs or people with SUDs is a simple way to start shifting the perception of society, reducing the stigma of SUDs, and reducing barriers to recovery services.
Turning the Terminology
We have created a chart discussing some common terms used when discussing SUDs that are actually stigmatizing or hurtful and providing alternatives that reduce stigma. If you’re worried about remembering all this terminology try to just remember this good rule of thumb; use people-first language like “a person struggling with a Substance use Disorder” or “a person in Recovery”. This language communicates that the person is your primary concern and that there is more to them than the condition they are struggling with.
View a text version of this chart here>>
Harmful in and out of Context
Much like saying “I’m so OCD” just because you like your desk organized, using SUDS specific stigmatizing language out of context is harmful. For instance, saying “this chocolate is like crack” when really you have a healthy relationship chocolate is harmful. Casually throwing around language that is related to something serious for others minimizes the experience they are having. Much like suggesting OCD is as simple as enjoying organization, suggesting that a Hershey’s bar is similar to cocaine is dismissive of the severity and difficulty of an actual substance use disorder.
What To Do When You Catch Yourself Using The Wrong Language
Everyone makes mistakes and that’s ok. The important thing is that you are trying. If you catch yourself using a word that is harmful simply correct it and move on. So if you say “He’s an addict” and quickly realize your mistake just say “excuse me, He’s a person with a substance use disorder” and then move on. You don’t need to make a big deal of it, just simply and quickly correct your language. Side note: this is also the advice if you slip up on someone’s pronouns, racial identity, etc. etc.
The Impact You Make
Reducing stigma and changing the way society views people with substance use disorders is a huge task. It will take time and it will take effort but we know it’s possible. Look at the way society’s views have shifted on racial and gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and HIV/AIDS. By reading this article and becoming more cognizant of your language you are taking a very important step in reducing the stigma of Substance Use Disorder. By reducing stigma we reduce the barrier to treatment it creates and hopefully help more people find recovery. So thank you for taking the time to broaden your perspective, please feel free to share this blog post and to reach out to us if you have any questions.
If you or someone you know is in need of Recovery services or support contact us now.
For More Information
If you are interested in learning more about stigma around SUDs, compassionate terminology or recovery here are some interesting sources we found:
Recovery Research Institute – Addictionary
ASAM Public Policy Statement: Definition of Addiction
Rural Health Information Hub – Defining Substance Abuse and Substance Use Disorders
The Menninger Clinic – The Semantics: Examining the language of addiction recovery and treatment
National Institutes of Mental Health – Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
Recovery Research Institute – The Real Stigma of Substance Use Disorders
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