August 8, 2017 |
NPR WBUR ‘Here & Now’ | How Changing The Language Of Addiction Affects Policy & Treatment
NPR, WBUR 90.9 ‘Here & Now,’ August 2, 2017
With Recovery Research Institute Founder & Director Dr. John F. Kelly, and Board Member Michael Botticelli
With addiction such a prominent problem, experts say it’s time to use words that don’t carry judgment. Studies show that saying “addiction” instead of “substance abuse,” and “person with substance abuse disorder” instead of “junkie,” affects the treatment patients receive, as well as public policy.
Michael Botticelli was director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under former President Obama when he issued a memorandum specifying how federal agencies should refer to addiction…