Words Matter: Shifting the Language of Opioid Use Disorder to Support Recovery

As a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, I’ve seen firsthand how language can shape the experiences of people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). Words have the power to either uplift or discourage, to open doors or build walls.

The stigma of addiction isn’t just a social issue. It has real consequences, preventing people from seeking help and reinforcing harmful misconceptions. If we want to truly support our friends, loved ones, and community members affected by opioid use disorder, we must start by rethinking how we talk about it.

Opioid use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failing

For decades, addiction has been framed as a character flaw rather than what it truly is—a chronic, treatable medical condition. This outdated mindset is reflected in the language many people still use today to describe people with addiction. Words like "addict", "junkie", or "drug abuser" strip individuals of their humanity, reducing them to their condition rather than recognizing them as people first.

This is why person-first language is so important. Instead of saying "addict", we say “a person with opioid use disorder". Instead of calling someone "clean" or "dirty" based on their drug use, we describe them as “in recovery” or “actively using substances”.

These shifts may seem small, but they carry immense weight in reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment.

Dispelling the myth: “once an addict, always an addict”

One of the most harmful and false beliefs about addiction is the phrase “once an addict, always an addict”. This statement implies that people with OUD are permanently broken, incapable of change. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Research shows that more than 75% of people who experience a substance use disorder eventually recover.¹ Opioid addiction is a treatable condition, and many individuals go on to live fulfilling, healthy lives with the right support, including access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), counseling, and community resources.

Telling someone they are doomed to addiction forever doesn’t motivate them to seek help—it strips them of hope. And hope is one of the most powerful forces in recovery.

The impact of language in addiction recovery

I’ve sat with patients in early recovery who have been deeply hurt by the words of others. Sometimes, it’s an offhanded remark—someone saying, “You don’t look like an addict,” as if addiction has a single face. Other times, it’s a dismissive comment like, “Why can’t you just stop?” that completely ignores the medical reality of substance use disorders.

These words don’t just sting—they can create an environment of shame and isolation, making people less likely to reach out for help. Recovery is already challenging enough without the added burden of feeling judged or devalued.

Conversely, I’ve also seen how empowering language can change lives. When we acknowledge that recovery is possible, that people with OUD are not defined by their past, and that seeking treatment is a sign of strength, we help build a culture of support and acceptance.

Creating a more supportive environment

If we truly want to support people with OUD—whether they are actively using, in early recovery, or years into their journey—we must be mindful of our words. Here are a few simple but impactful shifts we can all make:

• Say “a person with opioid use disorder” instead of “addict” or “junkie”.
• Say “in recovery” or “managing their condition” instead of “clean”.
• Say “returned to use” instead of “relapsed” to acknowledge that recovery is a journey, not a pass/fail test.
• Recognize and celebrate recovery as a personal milestone, unique to each individual.

Language alone won’t solve the addiction crisis, but it plays a critical role in removing barriers to treatment. When people feel safe and respected, they are more likely to reach out for help.

Advocating for change

Beyond individual conversations, we need to push for larger systemic changes that reflect a compassionate, evidence-based approach to opioid use disorder. This includes:

• Expanding access to MOUD, which has been proven to reduce overdose deaths and support long-term recovery.
• Investing in harm reduction programs, such as naloxone distribution and fentanyl testing, to keep people alive long enough to access treatment.
• Shifting policies away from punishment and toward public health solutions, recognizing that incarceration is not an effective response to addiction.

Language influences policy, and as we change the way we talk about addiction, we can help drive real change at a broader level.

Final thoughts: words can heal

If there’s one takeaway from this, it’s that words matter. They have the power to either reinforce stigma or break it down. They can push people away from treatment or encourage them to take that first step toward recovery.

As a doctor, I’ve seen the harm that careless words can cause. But I’ve also seen the incredible impact of compassion, respect, and encouragement. By shifting the language we use, we can create a world where people with opioid use disorder feel safe seeking help without fear of judgment.

Because at the end of the day, recovery is possible for so many. And it starts with how we talk about it.