The Problem with "Addicted Babies"

The “addicted baby” issue is not simply linguistic. You’re not just contributing to stigma when you use this term, you’re misrepresenting medical facts. “She was born addicted, but without methadone, she may never have been born at all.” That was the last sentence of my first published article with a major media outlet, Vox. The… Continue reading The Problem with "Addicted Babies"

HopCat Renames Crack Fries: "Addiction Is Not Funny"

“We chose the name more than 11 years ago as a reference to the addictive quality of the fries and their cracked pepper seasoning, without consideration for those the drug negatively affected,” said HopCat’s CEO in a blog post. HopCat, a bar that has locations in nine states, announced this week it will rename a… Continue reading HopCat Renames Crack Fries: "Addiction Is Not Funny"

The Cannabis Industry Wants You To Ditch The Word "Stoner"

A new ad campaign is pushing to end marijuana-related stigma. The word “stoner” immediately brings to mind a specific stereotype: a low achiever clouded in smoke and looking for a snack. Now, a retail pot company in California has launched a $2 million advertising campaign trying to convince the public to let the world stoner… Continue reading The Cannabis Industry Wants You To Ditch The Word "Stoner"

Language Matters: A Recovery Scientist Explains the Impact of Our Words

If a person has internalized the negative stereotypes associated with being “an addict,” are they more likely to have a fixed mindset and believe they cannot improve or change? Over 21 million Americans have substance use disorder and fewer than 3.8 million individuals receive treatment each year. 28 percent of the individuals who need treatment,… Continue reading Language Matters: A Recovery Scientist Explains the Impact of Our Words

It's time to take back control. Recovery IS possible and YOU deserve it! ❤️