Changing The Way We Speak

Changing the way we speak: Addressing bias and stigma in the language we use with persons with Opioid Use Disorders

Presenter: Karen Werder

Presenter Status: Faculty

Department: Nursing

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ewxmjgR3vzgxo1amgwnQ0V-2pyMFmAJz

Abstract:
In educating nurse practitioner students in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD), the topic of how language is utilized with people with OUD is crucial. The way we utilize language can trigger explicit and implicit bias and stigma if it is not consciously examined and utilized appropriately. Research has shown that language and labels can adversely affect the quality of care administered by health care professionals, as well as influence treatment outcomes for the patients that they treat. Those who have substance use disorders (SUD) have been viewed more negatively than those with other disabilities. This stigma isolates individuals and may prevent them from seeking the treatment found to be successful for these disorders. This poster synthesizes the current literature on the topic of stigmatized language in opioid use disorders and distills a list of recommended appropriate person-first language for use with individuals with OUD.