substance and addiction prevention branch

Shared Terminology

The Alcohol Harms Prevention Initiative (AHPI) strives to use language that is respectful and stigma-free, while still being accurate and based on actual experiences of harm. This page offers clear, plain-language definitions and examples of terms to use when discussing the use of alcohol and other substances. It is intended to help our partners perform the following tasks:

Writing content on this topic for the public,
Developing educational or health-related materials, and
Speaking to or about people with lived experience.

When communicating on this topic, remember these Guiding Principles:

Put the individual before the condition. This is person-first language.
Avoid labels that define someone by a diagnosis. Instead, think in terms of 'A person with…' Use neutral, nonjudgmental terms grounded in medical information.
Recognize that recovery occurs at one's own pace. It may include setbacks and repeated milestones.

Preferred Language: What to Say and Why

Avoid Saying	Say Instead	Why It Matters
Abuse, problem use	Use	This approach avoids the implication of failure or blame.
Alcoholic, addict, drug abuser	Person with substance-use disorder	This preferred term reduces stigma and focuses on individuals, not a condition.
Clean/Dirty (e.g. “He's clean now")	In recovery, not currently using substances	“Clean/dirty" implies moral failure. Person-first language avoids shame.
Drug abuse	Substance use and/or substance-use disorder	“Abuse" suggests negative judgment and blame; “use" is neutral and clinical.
Drug habit	Person with substance-use disorder, drug addiction, or person who uses drugs	“Habit" implies a person chooses to use substances or can choose to stop.
Drunk	Person with alcohol-use disorder, person who engages in unhealthy alcohol use	Avoids negative associations and shows a person “has" a problem rather than “is" the problem.
Former addict	Person in recovery	Person-first language, avoids negative associations.
Failed Treatment	Treatment was not effective	Saying “failed" blames the person, rather than recognizing treatment approaches may not meet everyone's needs.
Relapsed	Person who returned to use or experienced a recurrence	“Relapse" can carry shame and judgment. Using person-first language focuses on the individual's ongoing journey and reinforces the idea that recovery can include progress, pauses, and setbacks.