International Society of Addiction Journal Editors Adopts Non-Stigmatizing Language

Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Health: Current Evidence has long embraced person-first language and the avoidance of stigmatizing terms such as “abuse.” Following a discussion at its 2015 meeting, the International Society of Addiction Journal Editors (ISAJE) has issued a statement encouraging the use of non-stigmatizing terminology. Of note, the statement urges authors and editors to replace the terms “abuse” and “abuser” with “substance use disorder” (or “dependence” or “addiction”) and “person with a substance use disorder.” The statement has been endorsed by Journal of Addiction Medicine and can be found on the ISAJE website: http://www.parint.org/isajewebsite/terminology.htm. Disclosure: The Editor of aodhealth.org is an ISAJE board member.

References: International Society of Addiction Journal Editors. “Statement on Terminology,” http://www.parint.org/isajewebsite/terminology.htm (accessed 23 March 2016).
Saitz R. International statement recommending against the use of terminology that can
stigmatize people. J Addict Med. 2016;10(1):1–2.