Language of Recovery

A failure to do so could, arguably, lead to a paucity in effectiveness and program relevance. Traci also uses a bus analogy to describe a holistic approach to the individual.

In programs like A. Advocates of this practice argue that it helps newcomers not only bust through denial, but also combat shame around having a substance use disorder. Since most members identify this way, it can help a beginner feel less alone. However, this practice can have the opposite effect. Feeling pressure to assume an all-encompassing label with widespread negative connotations can drive some seeking help out the door. While 12 Step programs are effective — and have been saving lives for decades — science has progressed and alternative interventions are available.

This lends credence to the idea that the recovery community as a whole is more sustainable if programs maintain an open mind. The availability of a wide variety of recovery programming entails a greater number of lives saved — which gives programs the impetus to evaluate their practices and strive to be as welcoming and progressive as possible. To counteract unsympathetic and punitive attitudes, the Office of National Drug Control Policy recommends person-first language.

Changing the language of addiction is one way to start. A failure to do so could, arguably, lead to a paucity in effectiveness and program relevance. Traci also uses a bus analogy to describe a holistic approach to the individual. In programs like A. Advocates of this practice argue that it helps newcomers not only bust through denial, but also combat shame around having a substance use disorder. Since most members identify this way, it can help a beginner feel less alone.

• Works of Arthur Balfour?
• The Great Invention of The Thinkulator!
• Enslaved By My Boss (Erotica, Mind Control, Slave).

However, this practice can have the opposite effect. Feeling pressure to assume an all-encompassing label with widespread negative connotations can drive some seeking help out the door. While 12 Step programs are effective — and have been saving lives for decades — science has progressed and alternative interventions are available.

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This lends credence to the idea that the recovery community as a whole is more sustainable if programs maintain an open mind. The availability of a wide variety of recovery programming entails a greater number of lives saved — which gives programs the impetus to evaluate their practices and strive to be as welcoming and progressive as possible. We must also reject the disrespectful and demeaning epithets e.

Historically, people with severe AOD problems have had wars declared against them and have been subjected to invasive and unconscionable practices e.

We need a new language that is hope-infused, recovery-focused, and family-centered. We need a new language that reflects and conveys diverse pathways and styles of recovery. We can expand our menu of catalytic words and metaphors at the same time we formulate a common vocabulary that will best enhance a national message that clearly and passionately conveys the living reality of long-term recovery from addiction.

I urge you to participate in these discussions and debates about language. This is not about superficial political correctness.

It is about the future of recovery in America. It is time we embraced a new language that helps us talk about how we heal ourselves, our families and our communities. It is time we as a country abandoned a rhetoric that declares war on our own people.