Language Matters
Instead of saying someone is "clean," this person-first phrase is recommended.
What is "in recovery" or "substance-free"?
Discussion:
Why do you think the word "clean" might unintentionally shame people who are still struggling?
Major medical organizations classify addiction as this type of condition.
What is a chronic medical disease (or chronic brain disease)?
Discussion:
How does viewing addiction as a disease reduce stigma?
This quality alone is NOT enough to overcome addiction.
What is willpower?
Discussion:
Why is treatment often necessary even when someone is highly motivated?
Clinical stigma often causes people to delay or avoid this.
What is medical care?
Discussion:
How could delaying healthcare make recovery more difficult?
This treatment combines FDA-approved medication with counseling.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) / Medications for Addiction Recovery (MAR)?
Discussion:
Why is combining medication and therapy considered the gold standard?
This communication approach places the individual before the diagnosis.
What is person-first language?
Discussion:
How would you feel if you were introduced only by your illness or diagnosis?
This neurotransmitter is heavily involved in the brain's reward system.
What is dopamine?
Discussion:
Why might the brain continue seeking substances after repeated dopamine surges?
Medication for opioid use disorder primarily does this for the brain.
What is stabilizes brain chemistry?
Discussion:
How is this different from replacing one addiction with another?
Many employees avoid using Employee Assistance Programs because they fear this.
What is job loss or career discrimination?
Discussion:
What can workplaces do to reduce this fear?
Groups like AA, SMART Recovery, and NA provide this important recovery benefit.
What is peer support and connection?
Discussion:
Why is social connection protective during recovery?
Rather than calling a drug test "dirty," healthcare providers should describe it using this objective term.
What is a positive or detected result?
Discussion:
Why is objective medical language important in healthcare?
The brain's ability to heal and create new pathways during recovery is called this.
What is neuroplasticity?
Discussion:
What healthy habits help strengthen neuroplasticity?
Approximately this percentage of people with addiction eventually achieve recovery.
What is over 70% (about 74–75%)?
Discussion:
Why do you think many people underestimate recovery success rates?
Internalizing society's negative beliefs about addiction is called this.
What is self-stigma?
Discussion:
How might self-stigma affect someone's willingness to seek treatment?
People who use their own recovery experience to guide others are called these.
What are Peer Recovery Coaches (or Peer Support Specialists)?
Discussion:
What advantages might someone with lived experience bring to recovery?
Calling addiction this minimizes the seriousness of the condition.
What is a habit?
Discussion:
How is a chronic medical condition different from simply having a bad habit?
Genetics account for approximately this percentage of addiction vulnerability.
What is 40%–60%?
Discussion:
Does having a genetic risk guarantee someone will develop addiction?
This myth assumes addiction only affects one "type" of person.
What is the stereotypical addict myth?
Discussion:
How can stereotypes prevent people from asking for help?
Many experts support this alternative to incarceration because it improves recovery outcomes.
What is treatment diversion?
Discussion:
Why might treatment be more effective than punishment for substance use disorders?
This approach focuses on keeping people alive and reducing harm, even if they are not ready to stop using.
What is harm reduction?
Discussion:
Why can reducing harm be an important first step toward recovery?
Instead of viewing relapse as failure, it should be viewed as this.
What is a signal to adjust treatment?
Discussion:
How is this similar to managing diabetes or asthma?
This part of the brain helps regulate judgment, planning, and impulse control.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Discussion:
How might impaired impulse control affect recovery?
Research shows people do NOT need to reach this low point before seeking help.
Answer:
What is rock bottom?
Discussion:
What are the benefits of early intervention?
This medication can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
What is Naloxone (Narcan)?
Discussion:
Why is it important for communities to have access to naloxone?
Recovery is often described using these four dimensions: Health, Home, Purpose, and this final one.
What is Community?
Discussion:
Which of the four dimensions do you think is the hardest to rebuild after addiction, and why?