Should We Not Use the Term 'Addict'?
Have you ever thought that using the word 'addict' is an insult?
I was catching up on current events relating to addiction/substance abuse when I came across an article on HuffingtonPost. The article was titled Should We Stop Using the Word 'Addict'? It caught my eye and by the end of the article I had mixed feelings toward the word 'addict'. Before reading the article I had never thought that using the word was wrong. The post claims that the word itself is a stigma (a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something). It had be thinking about the times I had used the word to describe someone. Was I wrong to call them an addict? Did I hurt their feelings? The article states different opinions and allows you to think for yourself!
Since I want to work with substance abuser in the future, it caused me to wonder if
'addict' was a term I should stray away from. However, the bigger part of me thought otherwise.
When a substance abuser is in denial, they do not view themselves as an addict because they do not believe they have a problem. When they are faced with the reality, they realize that they need help. They have accepted the fact that they are an addict. Telling themselves, "I am an addict, I need help with my addiction" may be the first step to recovery. This may be more difficult for them if the term they are referring to them-self is considered an insult.
I feel that re-naming this term could cause confusion among many. I would love to hear what others think about using the word 'addict'? All in all I don't think it should be considered offensive. When talking to a substance abuser, I find it alright to call them an 'addict'. I believe this can be done in a way that does not come off as harsh.
If you would like to check out the article for yourself, here is the link! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-influence/should-we-stop-using-the-word-addict_b_9617660.html
If you would like to check out the article for yourself, here is the link! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-influence/should-we-stop-using-the-word-addict_b_9617660.html
I've never thought about the word "addict" as an insult before, but this post really got me thinking about it. I liked how it talked about how when abusers doesn't see themselves as addicts because they don't see it as a problem. I feel like that's common knowledge, but it's important not to call them something that they don't believe they are because that will just do more harm than good.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog! I have never heard of anyone wondering if the word "addict" is offensive or harsh but now that I'm thinking about it, it is an excellent question to ask yourself. I feel like the word "addict" is often times used very lightly and I don't think that individuals take time out to really think about how they may be making people feel when they use the word. However, I personally don't think that the word "addict" is harsh because there is a meaning behind it. Great post and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is a tricky topic! I think there are definitely ways to put a derogatory meaning behind the word "addict" and then there are ways to simply state it. I think the key in using the term addict is waiting until that person uses it on themselves. Like you said, once they have accepted that they are an addict, they are on the road to recovery. Good post!
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this post I have never thought about it being offensive. As I was reading your post, I realized that it is COMPLETELY offensive. It's categorizing someone they may not even put themselves in that category. The word should not be used until the person truly believe he or she is in fact an addict.
ReplyDeleteI really like this post. I hadn't ever thought about using the word "addict" as a offensive word. I'm going to be more mindful when using the word because i see where the author is coming from now.
ReplyDeleteI do not find the word addict offensive, but I might after reading this blog post. I have never thought about it before. I feel like the word has a negative connotation but it could also help the person realize what is exactly going on in their brain because it is a disease, and can be a completely horrible disease that can be helped with professionals. This post got me thinking, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI never thought about using the terminology as being offensive. After reading this blog, I understand that it could be offensive. People don't like to be categorized. Just like using the term "retard" to describe someone who has an intellectual disability is offensive, the word "addict" to describe someone who is on drugs is offensive. Its all about how someone takes the word and what their meaning behind it is.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel that using the term addict is insulting, it is simply describing the truth. You can be addicted to so many things and until the person who is addicted can admit it, then I think it will offend them either way. The truth hurts and some people do need to hear it and hopefully it will help them come to terms with it sooner. If the word was changed, then the meaning of an addict would never be the same and people might think that they don't have a problem if it was termed a "nicer" word.
ReplyDeleteI never thought saying addict could be hurtful to others, but now I'm going to be thinking about that whenever I hear the word. I think it depends on how the person means and how they say it to someone. It is good for the person once they realize they have an addiction.
ReplyDeleteI like this post but I never heard that addict can be hurtful towards other,but as I think about the word an use it in the sentence or telling someone that hey addict to something I can see why people can people say this is harmful.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post a lot. I appreciate the feeling behind it, it is very important to know that words do hurt people. I think the word addict can be harmful especially those who are in denial, even for people who are trying to break the cycle of their abuse. This reminded me of a program I participated in High School for special need students.
ReplyDeleteA you mentioned , I never thought of the term addict to be offensive however when we do use it, it is used in a negative way. But i agree the first step to getting someone out of the state of denial is for them to admit to their addiction so. So i guess the fterm can be seen as a harsh however if that word makes someone want to get clean then i guess it is okay.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed THIS POST ,IT GAVE GOOD DETAILS. AFTER READING I WOULD STOP USING THE WORD ADDICT. I REALLY DONT THINK IT CAN HARM PEOPLE JUST BY SAYING ADDICT
ReplyDeleteI never thought about how negative the word addict sounded. If someone referred to me as an addict and I was struggling with it it would not be encouraging. Society has made it seem like it isn't likely that an addict will recover so the term is full of negativity. Good point to bring up!
ReplyDeleteSusie, I have never really gave it much thought as to whether or not "addict" is a bad word or not. I think that if you are addicted to something, then you are an addict and it should be recognized. However, I do feel like people do use this word out of context and use it as an insult for anything. I think this is where it becomes a problem, and it is insulting to the people who actually do have an addiction problem. This was very interesting to read. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI've never thought about how others view the word "addict". I've never viewed as something to look down on others. I believe that "addict" is just someone who needs help.
ReplyDeleteJust like most things, people get offended to easily. However, in our profession, we know how to not offend people and more than anything, be incredibly encouraging! We want people to feel better and be healthy. Thank you for this post.
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