"Inappropriate language and words can be a barrier to access to medicines for the legitimate use of opioids," including the treatment of pain and opioid dependence. Consequently, politicians and administrators may establish illogical public health policies.
Several medical associations recommend that authors always use terminology that is neutral, precise, and respectful in relation to the use of psychoactive substances. Language can promulgate stigma that can prevent people from seeking help and influence the effectiveness of social and public-health policies.
It is important that communities establish their own consensus of what is neutral, precise, and respectful.
Problematic terms that should be avoided, and alternatives.
See reference for more information
Several medical associations recommend that authors always use terminology that is neutral, precise, and respectful in relation to the use of psychoactive substances. Language can promulgate stigma that can prevent people from seeking help and influence the effectiveness of social and public-health policies.
It is important that communities establish their own consensus of what is neutral, precise, and respectful.
Problematic terms that should be avoided, and alternatives.
See reference for more information
Adapted from Scholtem W. Terminology: societal impact of pain. SIP Stakeholder Forum (video). October 22. Internet, Available at https://hospicecare.com/policy-and-ethics/ethical-issues/language-matters/. Accessed on May 29, 2022.