Words shape our world. They define how we see ourselves and how others see us. Labels, especially, have the power to limit, define, or expand a person’s identity. One of the most damaging labels we often hear in relation to substance use is the word “addict.” It’s a term that, over time, has become synonymous with stigma, judgment, and a lack of control. But when we step back and truly consider its impact, we realize just how deeply it can affect someone’s ability to heal, grow, and see themselves beyond their struggles. It’s time we rethink this label and start looking at people in a more compassionate, holistic way.
What Does It Mean to Call Someone an “Addict”?
Calling someone an “addict” doesn’t simply describe a behavior—it starts to define their entire identity. When someone is referred to as an addict, the complexities of who they are as a human being—friend, parent, partner, professional—become overshadowed by a single word. Instead of being seen for their full selves, they’re reduced to a label that suggests a moral failing, a lack of self-control, or a permanent condition.
Language matters because it becomes the lens through which we view others and ourselves. When society constantly labels someone as an addict, it sends a message: “This is who you are, and this is all you will ever be.” And when a person internalizes that message, it becomes much harder for them to see the possibility of change. They may start to believe that no matter what they do, they will always be an “addict,” stuck in a cycle of shame and self-doubt.
How Does Labeling Someone an “Addict” Affect Their Mental Health?
Shame is one of the most powerful emotions a human being can experience. Unlike guilt, which is about feeling bad for something you’ve done, shame is about feeling bad for who you are. The label “addict” often triggers this deep sense of shame, making people feel as though their entire identity is flawed.
When someone feels ashamed of who they are, it can fuel their substance use. The pain of that shame becomes unbearable, and substances may feel like the only way to numb it. This creates a vicious cycle: the more someone uses, the more shame they feel, and the more shame they feel, the more they use. The label of “addict” reinforces this cycle, trapping people in a pattern of self-destruction.
The feeling of helplessness that often comes with shame can make it incredibly difficult for someone to seek help. If you believe that you are inherently flawed and incapable of change, why would you try? Why would you believe in your ability to overcome something as challenging as substance dependence when the world has labeled you as permanently broken?
Why Is It Important to Avoid Using the Word “Addict”?
One of the most important aspects of recovery is the ability to see oneself as capable of change. Recovery is a journey of transformation, and for that transformation to happen, a person must be able to envision a future self that is different from their past self. This requires a sense of hope, agency, and a belief that who they are is not fixed or defined by their worst moments.
When someone is labeled as an addict, it can feel as though that label is all-encompassing, leaving no room for growth or change. They may start to believe that their addiction defines their entire identity, making it difficult to see themselves as anything else. This can lead to what psychologists call a “fixed mindset,” where a person believes that their traits and behaviors are unchangeable.
On the other hand, developing a “growth mindset”—the belief that change is possible—can make all the difference in recovery. A growth mindset allows a person to view their addiction as a challenge that can be overcome, rather than a permanent part of who they are. It opens up the possibility for new roles, new experiences, and new ways of seeing themselves. They can begin to rebuild their identity, not around the label of “addict,” but around the many other facets of who they are and who they want to become.
Is Addiction a Permanent Condition?
It’s important to remember that addiction is not a permanent state of being. Many people experience substance use disorders at some point in their lives, but they can—and often do—recover. Addiction is a human experience, and like any other challenge, it does not define the entirety of a person’s life.
When we call someone an “addict,” we imply that their addiction is the most important or defining aspect of who they are. But people are so much more than their struggles with substances. They are complex, multi-faceted individuals with hopes, dreams, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Reducing someone to the label of “addict” overlooks the full picture of who they are as a person.
Substance use is often a coping mechanism for deeper issues, such as trauma, mental health struggles, or environmental stressors. Rather than defining people by the substances they use, we should be focusing on understanding the underlying issues that contribute to their substance use. By doing so, we can offer more compassionate and effective support.
How Does Language Impact Recovery?
One of the most effective ways to help someone struggling with addiction is to approach them with compassion rather than judgment. When we use the label “addict,” it often comes with an implicit judgment about that person’s character or willpower. This judgment can make people feel isolated, misunderstood, and less likely to seek help.
Compassion, on the other hand, opens the door to connection. It allows us to see people for who they truly are—not just for their struggles, but for their humanity. When we approach someone with compassion, we acknowledge that their addiction does not define them and that they are deserving of care, support, and understanding.
Recovery is not just about stopping substance use; it’s about healing on a deeper level. Healing happens when people feel seen, heard, and valued. By moving away from labels like “addict” and toward more compassionate language, we can help people feel more empowered to take the steps they need to heal.
What Does It Mean to Reclaim Agency in Recovery?
One of the most damaging aspects of the “addict” label is that it can strip people of their sense of agency. The label suggests that a person is out of control, unable to make decisions for themselves, and at the mercy of their addiction. This can lead to a feeling of powerlessness, which only makes recovery more difficult.
In reality, recovery is about reclaiming agency—the ability to make choices and take control of one’s life. When we stop calling people “addicts” and start seeing them as individuals who are capable of change, we help them reclaim their dignity and sense of self-determination. This shift in perspective can be incredibly empowering, allowing people to take ownership of their recovery journey.
How Can a Positive Self-Concept Aid in Recovery?
Ultimately, the goal of recovery is not just to stop using substances, but to build a positive, fulfilling life. This requires a strong sense of self-worth and a belief in one’s own potential. When someone is labeled as an “addict,” it can be difficult for them to cultivate a positive self-concept. They may feel as though their addiction is the most important thing about them, overshadowing their strengths, talents, and accomplishments.
By changing the way we talk about addiction, we can help people see themselves in a more positive light. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with them, we can focus on what’s right—their resilience, their courage, their capacity for growth. This shift in language can be transformative, allowing people to see themselves not as “addicts,” but as individuals who are capable of overcoming challenges and building a better future.
Conclusion: Why Should We Stop Using the Term “Addict”?
It’s time to retire the label “addict” and replace it with language that is more compassionate, empowering, and reflective of the human experience. Addiction is not a defining characteristic—it is a challenge that many people face, and it can be overcome. By shifting the way we talk about addiction, we can create a more supportive environment for recovery, one that fosters growth, resilience, and self-worth.
Let’s start seeing people for who they truly are—complex, capable individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. The language we use matters, and by choosing words that uplift rather than diminish, we can help more people find their way to healing.
Written by Clare Waismann, Registered Addiction Specialist (M-RAS), Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC II)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as advice or recommendation. Although our editors and reviewers, including Clare Waismann, M-RAS, SUDCC II, Founder of Waismann Method® Advanced Treatment for Opiate Dependence, have extensive experience and have reviewed numerous pages for accuracy and relevance, facts and accuracy can change over time.
The Opiates.com blog maintains a high standard of editorial quality by carefully selecting and writing articles based on well-cited sources. Our reviewers continuously monitor the latest research from reputable healthcare organizations such as SAMHSA, NIDA, and others to provide our readers with the most accurate content available on the web.
