Language and Stigma

The language used by health practitioners can also perpetuate stigma. Terms that are prejudicial and conflate the individual with their alcohol consumption, such as “alcoholic” or “addict” should never be used and should instead be replaced with person-centred language. Diagnostic labels can also have stigmatising effects and alcohol-related disorders such as liver disease should not be described as ‘alcoholic liver disease’. Language guides developed by people with lived experience of problematic alcohol and other drug use should be referred to by clinicians for non-stigmatising terminology.

Chapter	Recommendation	Grade of recommendation
3.2	All health professionals should continually review their use of language and ensure they do not use pejorative or discriminatory language or non-verbal communication: In front of or to a patient; About patients to other people, including other staff members; and In public discussions, including the media.	C
3.3	Health professionals should refer to language guides developed by peer-support organisations or produced by recognised organisations (for example such as NUAA) or other authorities	GPP

Chapter

Recommendation

Grade of recommendation

3.2

All health professionals should continually review their use of language and ensure they do not use pejorative or discriminatory language or non-verbal communication:

In front of or to a patient;
About patients to other people, including other staff members; and
In public discussions, including the media.

3.3

Health professionals should refer to language guides developed by peer-support organisations or produced by recognised organisations (for example such as NUAA) or other authorities

GPP