The words we use when discussing recovery and treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) can affect whether or not someone successfully completes a drug and alcohol program. Something as simple as poor wording can trigger someone to relapse. Understanding the importance of correct language during treatment and recovery can be the difference between healing and staying stuck in the cycle of SUD.

Words Can Promote or Demote 

Many disrespectful and harmful words are used to describe those undergoing substance abuse treatment. These words are painful to hear and often bring shame and a dehumanizing element to the hard work someone is enduring trying to overcome their problem. Name-calling has no place in the recovery space.

The negative connotations these words have when used aloud can not only be triggering but continue to endorse the stigma surrounding SUDs and mental health. Fortunately, times are changing, and people are realizing that the words we choose matter. For instance, now when you enter treatment, you will be referred to as “a person with substance use disorder” rather than an “addict.”

A treatment facility's focus is on the person in front of them who is struggling with SUD. You are not defined by the words used to discuss your SUD. You are a person in need of help and care. By referring to clients as those with SUD, recovery professionals can focus on the person and what they're facing. 

Those struggling with SUD do not need to be boxed into a label. They should be treated for their entire person, not just their disease.

The Importance of Words in Treatment and Recovery

When someone decides to go to treatment, typically, they are at a very low point. They may be struggling with low self-esteem, have hit rock bottom, and may even be cut off from their closest relationships. They may feel ashamed of their behaviors and feel stuck.

Deciding to enter treatment is a big step. It is something to be proud of. Treatment builds back confidence by unraveling the causes and effects of the SUD. Through multiple therapeutic methods, treatment facilities work with clients to develop the skills needed to heal. They can only do this through unbiased treatment that emphasizes respect and support. 

Regardless of someone's previous behaviors, everyone who enters a treatment facility or continues with outside support should be greeted by a welcoming and friendly staff that understands the struggles of SUD without judgment. Positive and hopeful words and phrases can be used to inspire, motivate, and build trust. Not only is the proper language vital to building rapport with clients, but it is the basis of treatment and recovery. Communication in the most supportive format is key to lasting recovery.

Our words bring empowerment and security. When we are cautious of the language we use around SUDs and recovery, individuals can experience personal growth and learn healthy ways to cope. One of the most important characteristics Next Level Recovery Associates brings to the table is honesty. Ensuring that everything we share with clients is accurate and truthful builds a bond between the client and the care team, which then inspires faith. Without faith, recovery has a much lower chance of success. 

Thinking Errors and Substance Use Disorder

According to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), "Cognitive distortions are the intense negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself, others, or the world that are so well established that they "sound" like your own voice in your head." Some examples of cognitive distortions include: 

• Overgeneralization

• “Should” statements

• Personalization

• Mind reading

• All-or-nothing thinking

• Catastrophizing

• Emotional reasoning

• Labeling

• Mental filtering

• Minimizing and magnifying

Thinking errors contribute to the pattern of SUD. When a person is trying to deal with negativity in how they think, it can lead to negative feelings about themselves, others, or the world. This negative mindset only leads to further substance abuse in an attempt to numb such thoughts and emotions.

Thinking errors lead those with SUD to get down on themselves. They may feel ashamed of their behaviors. They may be concerned with labels they've heard about themselves or zone in on smaller and less important things to avoid handling actual problems. All of these can be worked through with positive language. When people practice positive language through treatment and recovery, they can relearn how to think and manage negative emotions.  

Moving Forward Starting Today

We have to remember that the words we use have power. We can use words to build people up to help them feel good about themselves. Or, we can use our words to tear down someone and make them feel bad about themselves. Poor language regarding substance abuse treatment and recovery will only more deeply burden those struggling. 

It is essential to move forward in treatment and recovery using positive language. Hearing more positive words regarding treatment not only boosts motivation to continue but can also train the brain to better absorb support.

Understanding the importance of language in treatment and recovery is vital to moving forward in your journey with positivity. Our words can be powerful, and we have a choice about how we use them. At Next Level Recovery Associates, we provide individualized services because we want every person who uses our services to feel valued, heard, and appreciated for who they are right now and who they want to be. Each person will receive an assessment, counseling, coaching, treatment, level of care recommendations, medication management, support, and accountability. We also provide each client with a recovery associate, a sober companion that will offer nonjudgmental support to help them throughout their recovery. At Next Level Recovery Associates, we understand that you need to focus on positive language and thinking to prevent relapse. To learn more about our services, contact us today at consult@nextlevelra.com.