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Running Head: Implications of Labeling: Words Matter 2
The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) states, 'I
shall refrain from using any methods that could be considered coercive such as threats, negative
labeling, and attempts to provoke shame or humiliation' (Perkinson, 2016, p. 816). It is my final
analysis that negative labeling has no place in the addiction assessment nor treatment process. I
believe that negative labeling leads to stigmas. Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable
group of people, place, or nation. For instance, according to the National Institute on Drug
Abuse, 'stigma about people with substance use disorders might include inaccurate or unfounded
thoughts like: they are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, or at fault for their condition'
(National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).
It is essential to know that some ethnic groups may have higher alcohol consumption
rates and alcohol-related mortality rates than other ethnic groups. For example, according to the
peer-reviewed article 'Some Thoughts About the Epidemiology of Alcohol and Drug Use Among
American Indian/Alaska Native Populations,' 'percentage rates of alcohol consumption are higher
in non-Hispanic Whites, American Indians/Alaska Natives nevertheless have the highest alcohol-
related mortality rates and rates of substance use and dependence of all ethnic groups' (Young,
R., & Joe, J., 2009). Knowing the facts mentioned earlier, an ethical clinician can take leadership
in the addiction assessment and treatment process by using non-stigmatizing language that can
destigmatize the disease of addiction while accessing and treating American Indian/Alaska
Natives. A good clinician knows that words matter. The following is an example of how an
ethical clinician will choose non-stigmatizing words when accessing and treating an American
Indian/Alaska native client.
Running Head: Implications of Labeling: Words Matter 3
Examples of how words matter:
Instead of using the words alcoholic or drunk, use the phrase, 'person with alcohol
use disorder,' or 'a person who misuses alcohol/engages in unhealthy/hazardous
alcohol use.'
oRationale: The change of wording shows that the person 'has a problem
rather than 'is' the problem (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).
Instead of using the word addict, former addict, or reformed addict, use the phrase,
'Person in recovery' or 'person in long-term recovery' or 'person who previously used
drugs.'
oRationale: The terms avoid elicit negative association, punitive attitudes, and
individual blame (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).
The implication of making the patient feel stigmatized during the addiction assessment
and treatment process is dreadful. The patient feeling stigmatized could stop seeking treatment or
stop treatment once started. Cultural considerations include stereotyping of the patient within
his/her community. Members within their culture could begin to pity, fear, show anger, and
socially distance themselves from the 'person seeking addiction treatment or the 'person in
recovery.'
Running Head: Implications of Labeling: Words Matter 4
References:
Perkinson, R. R. (20160811). Chemical Dependency Counseling: A Practical Guide, 5th
Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from vbk://9781506307367
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, September 02). Words Matter - Terms to Use and Avoid
When Talking About Addiction. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/nidamed-medical-health-professionals/health-professions-
education/words-matter-terms-to-use-avoid-when-talking-about-addiction
Young, R., & Joe, J. (2009). Some Thoughts About the Epidemiology of Alcohol and Drug Use
Among American Indian/Alaska Native Populations. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance
Abuse, 8(3), 223–241. https://doi-
org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1080/15332640903110443