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Respiratory viruses continue to circulate in Maryland, so masking remains strongly recommended when you visit Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical locations in Maryland. To protect your loved one, please do not visit if you are sick or have a COVID-19 positive test result. Get more resources on masking and COVID-19 precautions.

Reducing the Stigma of Addiction

The Words Matter Pledge

Illustration of a diverse group of people standing together and hugging

I understand that the language I use relating to addiction is important. I believe that words matter and that using the right language helps decrease stigma. I will choose language that leads to more effective treatment and compassionate support in families and communities for those with substance use disorders.

I pledge to:

  • Treat all people with a substance use disorder with dignity and respect.
  • Talk about substance use disorder as a chronic illness, not a moral failing.
  • Be a leader in reducing stigma and promoting recovery from this disease.

Sign the pledge

Words to Use and Not Use

Instead of these stigmatizing words and phrases... Try these preferred alternatives
  • Substance abuse/drug abuse
  • Substance use disorder
  • Drug habit
  • Addiction
  • Abuser
  • Substance abuser
  • Drug abuser
  • Addict
  • Alcoholic
  • Drunk
  • Junkie
  • User
  • Person with a substance use disorder
  • Addicted baby
  • Babies exposed to opioids
  • Problem
  • Risky, unhealthy or heavy use
  • Clean (person)
  • In recovery
  • Clean (or dirty) toxicology results
  • Negative (or positive) toxicology results
  • Substitution therapy
  • Replacement therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder

The Johns Hopkins Words Matter Pledge is adapted from a similar campaign at Boston Medical Center led by the Grayken Center for Addiction.