*A Note on Language
We honor these stories by not adjusting the language people used to convey them as participants are sharing their own experiences. However, some of the videos contain language that can perpetuate stigma toward people with substance use disorders. As healthcare workers, we should use person-first language to reduce stigma and bias when discussion addiction. Not doing so leads to worse outcomes and experiences. Please review this NIDA page on person-first language for preferred terms to use when talking to and about people who use drugs.
Pledge to leave our inherent biases at the door – find out how powerful it can be.
Addiction is a chronic medical disease. Stigma and biases related to substance use are deeply engrained in our culture and affect our care of patients. Our body language and verbal communication with patients, with staff about patients, and in our documentation matters. Our own biases can perpetuate the cycle of addiction. Dismantling biases and stigma are fundamental to compassionate care.
You don't go to the hospital because you want to, you go because you need to. And instead of them helping you, they make you feel unwelcome. Something has to change.
- Mary, Community Health Worker
