Pubdate: Tue, 09 Feb 2016
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2016 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact: http://services.bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340
Website: http://bostonglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52
Author: William Vaughan Jr.

WORDS LIKE 'ADDICT' SERVE A PURPOSE - TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM TRYING DRUGS

There is an effort underway to change the way we talk about addiction 
("A struggle to rewrite the language of addiction"). The basic shift 
would eliminate disparaging language, such as "addict" or "junkie," 
and replace such words with medical terms that are free of judgment. 
The stated reasons for such a shift include the fact that people may 
avoid seeking help, professionals may treat people harshly, and the 
stigma associated with addiction may be exacerbated.

According to Dr. Barbara Herbert, Massachusetts chapter president of 
the American Society of Addiction Medicine, "The biggest thing we 
trade in is hope. Our biggest enemy is hopelessness."

Unfortunately, the argument only addresses one small segment of the 
population - those with substance abuse problems. But in fact, the 
vast majority of people are not addicted. Some of them, however, will 
be tempted to experiment with various drugs. And eliminating 
disparaging language could make such behavior more enticing.

Surely any public policy initiative should examine the overall effect 
of any proposal, not just its effect on a select group of people.

William Vaughan Jr.

Chebeague Island, Maine
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