I love you & your ice cream @benandjerrys. & I know you know how important language is when confronting bias. SO a quick note about the term "substance abuse": There is empirical evidence that it contributes to the significant bias against ppl w/ addiction https://t.co/iZzw9DViy0 https://t.co/E5lzFbpi8F
Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions? A randomized study of two commonly used terms.
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Jun 2020 – Sep 2025Where it's discussed
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News22 articles
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X / Twitter12 posts
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Blogs9 articles
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Facebook4 posts
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YouTube2 videos
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Bluesky1 posts
AI synopsis
What people are saying
The social discussions emphasize the significance of terminology, with examples like healthcare providers being more punitive towards those labeled as 'substance abusers,' and references to empirical studies supporting these claims. The tone reflects concern and advocacy, stressing that language choices can reinforce stigma and impact treatment outcomes.
Most discussions acknowledge the importance of terminology and cite studies showing the influence of words on attitudes and treatment, indicating general support for the article's conclusions.
The discussions demonstrate active engagement with concepts like stigma, healthcare provider bias, and terminology, showing high interest in the subject matter.
Participants reference multiple sources, discuss implications for treatment and societal attitudes, and share personal insights, reflecting deep engagement.
The discussions highlight the potential for changing language to reduce stigma and improve care, suggesting the article influences thinking about policy and practice, though some comments are more about reinforcing known ideas.
Abstract in brief
- The study investigates whether the terminology used to describe individuals with substance-related conditions, specifically "substance abuser" versus "having a substance use disorder," influences people's perceptions of blame, threat, and treatment.
- The research found no difference in perceptions of social threat or victim treatment between the two terms, but those labeled as "substance abusers" were more likely to be seen as personally responsible and deserving punishment.
- Even trained mental health professionals tend to hold more punitive attitudes when the term "substance abuser" is used, suggesting that this terminology may reinforce stigmatizing beliefs.
Top posts
Most liked on X and Bluesky@primarycarechat A3: Absolutely! This is shown in the literature. Some examples: When people are framed as “addicts” in case presentations, health care providers are more likely to recommend punishment rather than treatment. (1/2) https://t.co/rMRcsYUM5J
@DrAdiJaffe And less likely to receive standard of care treatments from providers who may (even unconsciously) view people with SUDs as less deserving... https://t.co/aYGwkXYOEH
@benryanwriter @MichaelMcGough3 I didn't go through all the footnotes, but I quickly found one that led to another and then to another, ending with this link to research showing more punitive stigma against "a substance abuser" & less against someone "having a substance abuse disorder." https://t.co/Px3VrTGhcS
@Dr_ArpitParmar Thanks for this helpful thread and for referencing @AddJournalEds (shameless plug!). This study showed that the terms used to describe people who use drugs impact the care they receive. https://t.co/aYGwkXZmuf
Kind of like this one too: Kelly JF, Westerhoff CM. Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions? A randomized study of two commonly used terms. Int J Drug Policy. 2010 May;21(3):202-7. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2009.10.010
All mentions
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Kind of like this one too: Kelly JF, Westerhoff CM. Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions? A randomized study of two commonly used terms. Int J Drug Policy. 2010 May;21(3):202-7. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2009.10.010
@ABCole25 SUD stigma - Kelly & Westerhoff (2010) https://t.co/YloLlJo4Wg
RT @CasyCalver: @Dr_ArpitParmar Thanks for this helpful thread and for referencing @AddJournalEds (shameless plug!). This study showed that…
@Dr_ArpitParmar Thanks for this helpful thread and for referencing @AddJournalEds (shameless plug!). This study showed that the terms used to describe people who use drugs impact the care they receive. https://t.co/aYGwkXZmuf
@benryanwriter @MichaelMcGough3 I didn't go through all the footnotes, but I quickly found one that led to another and then to another, ending with this link to research showing more punitive stigma against "a substance abuser" & less against someone "having a substance abuse disorder." https://t.co/Px3VrTGhcS
Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions? [A: Not after controlling for multiple comparisons.] https://t.co/kJPicGZmVG
- Kelly JF, Westerhoff CM. Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions? A randomized study of two commonly used terms. Int J Drug Policy. 2010;21:202–7. https://t.co/I5W42R41AE. Epub 2009 Dec 14. PMID: 20005692.
@tmc_RN @drannamvaldez @NrsgMutualAid @radicalnurses @nurses4humrghts @NursingTheoryCo @APHAPHN Yes! With lit to back this one up, https://t.co/X8aAfGyTJj
@primarycarechat A3: Absolutely! This is shown in the literature. Some examples: When people are framed as “addicts” in case presentations, health care providers are more likely to recommend punishment rather than treatment. (1/2) https://t.co/rMRcsYUM5J
@DrAdiJaffe And less likely to receive standard of care treatments from providers who may (even unconsciously) view people with SUDs as less deserving... https://t.co/aYGwkXYOEH
RT @okatherine: I love you & your ice cream @benandjerrys. & I know you know how important language is when confronting bias. SO a quick no…
RT @okatherine: I love you & your ice cream @benandjerrys. & I know you know how important language is when confronting bias. SO a quick no…
I love you & your ice cream @benandjerrys. & I know you know how important language is when confronting bias. SO a quick note about the term "substance abuse": There is empirical evidence that it contributes to the significant bias against ppl w/ addiction https://t.co/iZzw9DViy0 https://t.co/E5lzFbpi8F
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