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Let’s read through the current headlines.
One says “Opioid addict is arrested by policemen” and the other reads, “Teenager seeks out help for opioid mistreatment.”
We see both of them being similar but how come they feel so different? While one calls a person an “addict”, the other shows a human with a solution in mind.
Language like this is very common, and many people use these words without being aware of the damage they can inflict and the influence they can have on others.
The headline of an article says more than a graph can, and it can quickly set the tone – positively or negatively.
The media has a big role. Derogatory words like “addict,” “dangerous,” and “junkie” do not help readers, but rather creates a scenario of judgment against people struggling with addiction.
John Hopkins University says It has become so common that nearly 6,399 news stories were published from 2008-2010 and have the words “addict” in it.
The words “addict” and “addiction” have two separate meanings. The stigma glossary has made it clear that each word has a different definition and acts as a label. For example, “addict” makes it seem like the person is defined by addiction. The word “addiction” refers to a condition and describes an experience that can allow for recovery.
Words can be helpful or harmful. Some make it difficult for people who struggle with addiction to be transparent and let others know they need help. It is almost as if the media is shaming them. Based on studies done by organizations like Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are less willing to ask for help because they expect judgment.
When scrolling through social media, we should pay more attention to headlines and the words being used because they leave an impression. Only by noticing derogatory words and the damage they cause can we start addressing people rather than labeling them.
Taking this step, many who are struggling with addiction can feel comfortable reaching out for help; they will no longer feel like a danger to society, but rather, like they are accepted.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
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