The language of ‘addiction’

Noun: “the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity”

Communication and language are important factors in any relationship, especially in therapy or treatment. The term ‘addiction’, in essence, says what it is .. it refers to a person who is addicted to something. It’s the word generally used widely in the media and the word that most people search for if they’re looking for help or information.

However, if a family member, friend or perhaps you yourself are contemplating treatment, the likelihood is that you will be confronted with a variety of words and phrases which mean pretty much the same thing. These can include:

·       Substance use

·       Substance misuse

·       Substance disorder

·       Disordered usage

Many services, particularly rehabilitation centres, prefer not to use the word ‘addict’ when working with their clients. The feeling is that those seeking treatment may already feel guilt, shame or fear so using the term ‘addict’ can feel, for some, even more stigmatising and unkind. By reframing the word it becomes less demeaning, perhaps less ‘permanent’ and paves the way for positive change.

I use the word ‘addiction’ in content and communications primarily because it’s very clear what is being discussed. However when working with a client I will interchange the word with, perhaps, ‘substance misuse’ depending on the client’s needs, how they feel about things and the experiences they have had. Everyone is different and so the language used has to be tailored to the client’s mode of reality.

Whatever language is used to describe addiction, be it direct or interchanged with other phrases, compassion, empathy and kindness are common in all therapy and essential for healing, moving forward and getting emotional needs met healthily.