Workshop: Words That Wound: Examining the Stigma of Addiction-Words That Wound: Examining the Stigma of Addiction

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The "Words That Wound: Examining the Stigma of Addiction" workshop, led by Alona Balasanova and a distinguished panel of experts, delved into how language and stigma affect individuals with substance use disorders. The session aimed to describe stigma's relationship with addiction, show its impact on patient care, and explore the changing language landscape in addiction treatment. Stigma, described as a societal construct with attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that lead to discrimination, negatively affects both patients and healthcare providers, potentially leading to burnout and reduced empathy in providers. <br /><br />Using stigmatizing language like "substance abuser" labels a person rather than addressing the condition as a medical issue, thereby perpetuating negative stereotypes and influencing care quality. The experts advocated for adopting person-first language to respect individuals with addiction, emphasizing that terms like "substance use disorder" or "a person with addiction" are more appropriate.<br /><br />Panelists highlighted the role of unconscious bias among healthcare providers and the negative impact it can have on treatment outcomes. Studies were referenced showing that bias affects willingness to treat patients compassionately. By recognizing and addressing these biases through language changes and training, healthcare can become more inclusive.<br /><br />The workshop included group activities where participants practiced revising scenarios to remove stigmatizing language. This exercise underscored the need for positive language change in clinical documentation. Dr. Harris emphasized systemic changes in policies, and Dr. Jordan presented a diversity initiative aimed at increasing representation within addiction medicine, reinforcing the critical need to challenge and dismantle stigmatizing language and practices in addiction treatment.

Keywords

addiction stigma

Alona Balasanova

destigmatizing language

addiction psychiatry

Daryl Shorter

Patrice Harris

Ayana Jordan

Project REACH

culturally informed healthcare

media and policy reform

person-first language

subconscious biases

compassionate care

chronic medical condition

systemic changes

Addiction

Stigma

Substance Use Disorders

Language

Healthcare

Bias

Patient Care

Empathy

Discrimination

Diversity Initiative

Clinical Documentation

Stigmatizing Language

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