Resource for Reducing Stigma and Negative Bias: Your Words Matter – Language Showing Compassion and Care for Women, Infants, Families, and Communities Impacted by Substance Use Disorder

Resource for Reducing Stigma and Negative Bias: Your Words Matter – Language Showing Compassion and Care for Women, Infants, Families, and Communities Impacted by Substance Use Disorder

This resource offers background information and tips for providers on how to use person-first language and on which terms to avoid using to reduce stigma and negative bias when discussing addiction or substance use disorder with pregnant women and mothers. Although some language that may be considered stigmatizing is commonly used within social communities of people with substance use disorder, clinicians and others can use language that helps to destigmatize it.