See the person. Choose your words.

Language that keeps dignity at the centre of a classroom or community conversation.

1

Put the person first

Use “person with a substance-use disorder” rather than defining someone by a label. If someone describes their own experience, respect their preferred language.

2

Avoid moral judgements

Words such as “dirty” or “clean” can imply that someone’s worth depends on substance use. Describe substance use or test results directly instead.

3

Make discussion safer

Do not ask a student to disclose personal or family experiences in front of a class. Use general examples and an appropriate school safeguarding pathway for individual concerns.

NIH · National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Source checked 25 October 2026. This short educational guide is not an individual care plan or a diagnosis.

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