Language Matters
Language is powerful—especially when talking about mental health, substance use, HIV, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Stigmatizing language perpetuates negative perceptions.
The resources below offer helpful guidance for healthcare professionals, journalists, storytellers, and the general public.
Resources
- Addiction Language Guide - Shatter Proof
- Addictionary - Recovery Research Institute
- General Principles for Reducing Bias - APA Style
- GLSEN Pronoun Guide
- A Guide to Gender Identity Terms - NPR
- Inclusive Language Guidelines - APA
- Language, Please: Style Guide and Resources for Journalists and Storytellers
- Overcoming Stigma Through Language: A Primer - Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
- Overdose Crisis Reporting Style Guide - Changing the Narrative
- Recommended Terminology for Substance Use Disorders in the Care of Children, Adolescents, Young Adults and Families - American Academy of Pediatrics
- Reporting on Addiction
- Reporting on Suicide
- Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index
- Stigma Primer for Journalists (Canada)
- Talking about Youth Probation, Diversion, and Restorative Justice: A Messaging Toolkit - Annie E. Casey Foundation
- Understanding Pronouns - LGBT Life Center
- Words Matter - The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Canada)
- Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction - NIDA