Let’s end the stigma.

For more than 378,000 South Carolinians

with a substance use disorder, better days are ahead.

We must all understand that this is a treatable disease, not a moral failing. People
can and do recover and go on to lead healthy lives. Recovery from a substance use
disorder can range from behavioral changes to community-based engagement.
That’s why it’s important to provide understanding and support, regardless of where
in the recovery process someone might be.

The Language of Recovery

When it comes to the language of recovery, additional support can be given by
eliminating words and phrases that can have a negative bias against individuals.
Avoid words like addict, habit, junkie and clean. They suggest a person “is” the
problem, rather than “having” a disease. And, being characterized like that can
reduce someone’s interest in recovery.

Instead of Use

Addict / User /
Person with a substance use disorder
Substance or Drug Abuser / Junkie

Person with an alcohol use disorder / Person who

Alcoholic / Drunk misuses alcohol / Person who engages in unhealthy or
hazardous alcohol use

Person in recovery or long-term recovery /

Former Addict / Reformed Addict
Person who previously used drugs

Learn more about recovery and reducing the stigma at

AN INITIATIVE OF Funded through grant #1H79TI083300-01 from SAMHSA.