Author: Andrew Schreier

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Imposter Syndrome: Do I Belong Here?: Andrew Schreier

Imposter Syndrome is a pervasive issue that impacts professionals across fields. It can lead to debilitating self-doubt, anxiety, and the persistent fear of being “found out” as a fraud. As someone who has experienced and worked to overcome Imposter Syndrome both personally and professionally, I hope to share insights into its challenges and offer strategies to help others build confidence and thrive.

My Background: Personal and Professional

As a counselor, podcaster, and presenter, I’ve dedicated my career to fostering safe spaces where people can grow, heal, and challenge themselves. My approach is rooted in harm reduction and an openness to exploring disruptive methods that drive meaningful change. My professional journey is deeply intertwined with my personal experience of overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Early in my career, I constantly questioned whether I belonged in the field, despite my education and training. I wondered if my successes were due to luck or if I had somehow deceived others into believing I was competent. As a counselor, I did not have lived experience and was often challenged with whether I could help those impacted by substance use because I didn’t experience it.

These feelings were compounded by the high expectations I set for myself and the comparisons I made to others who appeared more confident and accomplished. It wasn’t until I began confronting these thoughts and reframing them that I started to see the value I brought to my work and others. This transformation inspired me to help others facing similar struggles.

The History of Imposter Syndrome

The term “Imposter Syndrome” was first introduced in 1978 by psychologists Dr. Pauline R. Clance and Dr. Suzanne A. Imes in their groundbreaking study, The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention1. The research focused on high-achieving women who attributed their accomplishments to external factors like luck, timing, or even deceit, rather than their competence and abilities. Clance and Imes described it as a psychological pattern characterized by chronic feelings of self-doubt and fear of exposure as a fraud.

Since its introduction, the understanding of Imposter Syndrome has evolved, with research recognizing that it affects individuals across genders, cultures, and industries. Although initially associated with women in professional settings, later studies revealed that men also experience similar doubts but are less likely to vocalize them due to societal expectations around masculinity.

Today, Imposter Syndrome is widely studied in organizational psychology, mental health, and leadership development as a common experience that can significantly impact individual well-being and career growth.

Statistics on Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is more widespread than many realize. Here are some recent statistics that highlight its prevalence:

  • 70% of individuals2 are estimated to experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives, according to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science.
  • A survey by KPMG found that 75% of executive women3 across industries have experienced feelings of self-doubt about their work performance and abilities.
  • Research from Asana’s Anatomy of Work Index in 2021 reported that 63% of workers4 admitted to experiencing Imposter Syndrome, with younger employees (Gen Z and Millennials) being the most affected.
  • People of color and underrepresented groups in professional environments are disproportionately impacted, as systemic biases and microaggressions amplify feelings of inadequacy.

These statistics underscore the widespread nature of Imposter Syndrome and the importance of addressing it through awareness, conversation, and practical strategies.

The Challenge of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome5 is defined as “a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.” It is an internal experience of believing you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. It often manifests as chronic self-doubt, fear of failure, and attributing success to external factors rather than personal ability. Though initially identified in high-achieving women, Imposter Syndrome affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of Imposter Syndrome:

  • Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards and berating oneself for falling short.
  • Comparison Culture: Constantly measuring one’s achievements against the curated successes of peers.
  • Societal Expectations: Pressures to excel, often exacerbated by systemic biases that question the legitimacy of underrepresented individuals in certain fields.

The impact of Imposter Syndrome can be profound. It often leads to:

  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Reluctance to seek opportunities or promotions, leading to career stagnation.
  • Overworking to “prove” oneself, which can result in burnout.
  • Difficulty trusting others, including mentors or colleagues, due to fears of being judged.
  • Procrastination or avoidance of tasks to delay the possibility of failure.
  • Impaired decision-making, driven by a lack of confidence in one’s judgment.
  • Diminished satisfaction with personal and professional achievements, as successes are undervalued or dismissed.

Despite its challenges, addressing Imposter Syndrome can lead to significant personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Understanding its roots and effects is the first step toward overcoming it.

My Experience Tackling Imposter Syndrome

My journey with Imposter Syndrome began with a harsh realization: I was my own worst critic. No matter how much positive feedback I received from others, I dismissed it as unwarranted. I started as a counselor working directly with those impacted by substance use. Earlier in my career, people would often ask if I had lived experience. This ranged from individuals in treatment, colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals. 

Even after working as a licensed counselor for several years, I questioned whether I could be of any service in the field without the experience. When I was initially introduced to doing counseling for those impacted by gambling I actually hesitated to pursue it further. I thought, “If I don’t belong in substance use because of lack of lived experience then I won’t belong in gambling either. I need to wait until I know my place here.” And so I did. I waited a few more years before deciding to specialize in gambling counseling.  

For years, I continued to feel like I didn’t belong in the helping profession because of lack of lived experience. I avoided talking about it and relied heavily on my training, academic focus, and most importantly, what I learned from those sitting in the room with me who shared their struggles and challenges. One particular moment brought the focus of tackling imposter syndrome head on when I became a licensed clinical supervisor.

Now, I was working to help others develop as counselors and noticed many of them struggled with feeling like they were an imposter. They questioned whether they belonged in the field despite their academic success, obtaining licenses, receiving proper supervision, and ongoing training development. When I began working with larger organizations I also saw it in other roles I interacted with: front desk staff, clinic managers, and nurses.  

A substance use professional with no experience using substances. A licensed professional counselor with their own history of mental health issues. A peer support specialist working their own recovery program. A marriage and family therapist who is currently dealing with their own separation from their spouse. A nutritionist who continues to have their own challenges with food consumption. An administrative staff member who started working at the front desk. The core question many of these professionals will have when it comes to their role is, “Do I belong here?” 

People questioned their place in the field they have passionately chosen to be a part of with a fear that they would be discovered as a fraud because of lacking “perfection.” As helping professionals, we viewed ourselves as needing to have the lived experience, having no issues with mental health, a perfect marriage or relationship, and ultimately having all the answers to life’s questions. It doesn’t help when others say, “you are a counselor; don’t you know everything” or “you are a marriage therapist; so you must have a perfect marriage.”

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that I was not the only one questioning my belonging in this profession of helping others. There were friends, colleagues, and others who I assumed knew their place and felt confident in what they were doing. It was comforting to know that I was not alone; and these experiences led me to addressing it head on for myself and those I was supervising.  

Solutions Based on My Expertise

Addressing Imposter Syndrome requires a combination of introspection, external support, and actionable strategies. Here are the approaches I’ve found most effective, both personally and professionally:

1. Reframe Negative Thought Patterns

Our thoughts shape our reality. By identifying and challenging irrational beliefs, we can begin to shift our mindset. For example:

  • Replace “I only succeeded because of luck.” with “My hard work and skills contributed to this success.”
  • Use evidence-based thinking: List your accomplishments and the specific actions that led to them.

2. Embrace Vulnerability and Open Conversations

Sharing feelings of self-doubt can be liberating. In my counseling sessions, I’ve seen how group discussions help individuals realize they’re not alone in their struggles. Similarly, being open with colleagues about Imposter Syndrome can foster connection and mutual support.

3. Cultivate Self-Compassion

Perfectionism and self-criticism often go hand in hand with Imposter Syndrome. Learning to treat oneself with kindness—as you would a close friend—can counteract these tendencies. For instance, rather than dwelling on a mistake, focus on what can be learned from it and how it contributes to growth.

4. Seek Professional Guidance

Therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are effective in addressing the underlying thought patterns associated with Imposter Syndrome. As a counselor, I’ve seen how these approaches help clients build confidence and resilience.

5. Celebrate Achievements: Big and Small

Taking time to acknowledge accomplishments, no matter how minor they seem, can help build a sense of competence. Keeping a “success journal” to document wins is a practical way to reinforce positive self-perception. One important area of development for me was recognizing why some teammates and colleagues didn’t like public celebrations.  

If someone is struggling with Imposter Syndrome, celebrating them publicly casts more light on their performance. If they are worried about being discovered as a fraud, the spotlight will likely cause more distress. It does not mean we can’t celebrate the success of others. We should focus more on understanding how individuals like to be celebrated and even exploring that for ourselves.  

Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Imposter Syndrome is a deeply ingrained challenge for many, but it is not insurmountable. By recognizing its presence, sharing experiences, and implementing effective strategies, we can begin to dismantle the self-doubt that holds us back.

Looking ahead, I envision a world where conversations about Imposter Syndrome become more normalized, reducing the stigma and isolation it often brings. In my work, I plan to continue exploring this topic through counseling sessions, podcast discussions, and professional presentations, offering tools and insights to empower individuals to embrace their worth.

If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, remember: You are not alone. Your feelings, while valid, do not define your value or capabilities. With time, effort, and support, you can overcome self-doubt and step into the confidence you deserve. Do you belong here? We are all a part of the card-carrying human race. It’s our connection with one another that makes a great impact on our ability to help and be present for someone.  

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Thoughtful Gift Giving: Balancing Awareness and Inclusivity: Andrew Schreier

As a licensed professional counselor and clinical substance abuse counselor, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate challenges surrounding substance use, mental health, and behavioral struggles. Working in outpatient therapy, recovery support groups, and community education, I’ve witnessed the role of thoughtful communication and mindful actions in fostering recovery, healing, and deeper human connection.

The holiday season, in particular, allows us to show our care through gift-giving. Giving gifts is a tradition cherished across cultures and generations. The intention of gift-giving can be used to express love, gratitude, and loyalty, demonstrate power, seek prestige, or manipulate relationships. However, this seemingly simple act can carry added weight for many people. For those dealing with substance use recovery, grief, gambling, financial challenges, strained relationships, or separation from loved ones, holidays can intensify emotions that may otherwise remain manageable. 

Understanding these circumstances and approaching gift-giving with care, intention, and inclusivity is critical. This article provides insight into how we can create a culture of mindful gifting—one that celebrates generosity while respecting the needs and experiences of others.

Statistics Related to Gift-Giving

GiftAFeeling provides these statistics from their “103+ Gift Giving Statistics: A Comprehensive Study for 2024”1 to share key insights into understanding gift-giving trends:

  • 85% of People Believe Gifts Strengthen Personal Relationships
    • Giving a gift is a meaningful way to show someone you care. Studies reveal that 85% of people feel gifts help build closer personal connections. It’s not about the item itself but the sentiment behind it, which can make friends, family members, or loved ones feel appreciated and valued. A thoughtful gift can strengthen bonds, creating lasting memories that deepen personal relationships.
  • 67% of People Feel More Appreciated with Recognition Gifts from Loved Ones
    • Receiving a thoughtful gift can make anyone feel recognized and appreciated. In fact, 67% of people feel more valued when they receive a gift that acknowledges a special milestone, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or personal achievements. These gestures remind loved ones that they’re seen and valued, helping build stronger bonds in families and friendships alike.
  • 43% of People Remember Thoughtful Gifts Longer
    • People tend to remember meaningful gifts that show someone really thought about them. Research shows that 43% of people remember gifts longer when the gift is personal and thoughtful. Whether it’s a favorite book, a custom item, or something that aligns with their hobbies, a well-chosen gift can leave a lasting impression, making the gesture feel special and memorable.

Navigating Gift Giving: Recovery and Mental Health 

Gift-giving is one of the hallmarks of the holiday season. It’s a way to express love, appreciation, and gratitude. However, for some, receiving certain gifts or the very act of gift-giving itself can trigger emotional challenges, highlight financial insecurities, or exacerbate feelings of isolation.  The same gift can convey love, gratitude, or shared memories2, while for another might create stress or obligations for both giver and receiver.

Here are a few key challenges to consider:

  1. Substance Use and Mental Health Recovery
    For individuals in recovery, certain gifts can unintentionally undermine their progress. A bottle of wine given to someone abstaining from alcohol, gambling-related items like lottery tickets, or gifts that allude to harmful coping mechanisms can be deeply triggering. While the giver’s intention may be positive, the impact can result in emotional setbacks, shame, or even relapse.
  2. Grief and Loss
    Holidays often magnify the loss of loved ones. For someone spending their first season without a family member or friend—or even years after a passing—grief can resurface strongly. Well-meaning gifts might unintentionally stir up painful reminders. At the same time, overlooking someone’s grief entirely can make them feel unseen or isolated.
  3. Gambling-Related Issues
    Individuals struggling with gambling-related problems may find gift-giving during the holidays challenging due to financial strain, such as limited resources or gambling away money intended for gifts. Emotional factors like guilt, shame, or damaged relationships can further complicate their ability to participate in holiday traditions. The pressure to meet societal expectations or strained connections with loved ones may lead to avoidance of celebrations altogether. It is also common for gambling-related items (such as lottery tickets) to be given as gifts to children and youth who are at risk.
  4. Financial Barriers
    For individuals unable to afford gifts, societal and family expectations during the holidays can create shame, embarrassment, or stress. Gift exchanges often emphasize material items, unintentionally excluding those for whom spending money is simply not feasible.
  5. Separation from Loved Ones
    Whether someone is serving in the military, working away from home, incarcerated, or otherwise unable to be with family, holidays can feel especially lonely. Gift-giving traditions may serve as a reminder of their physical absence, exacerbating feelings of disconnection.
  6. Strained Relationships
    For individuals experiencing tension, estrangement, or conflict within their families, holidays can be emotionally complex. Traditional gatherings and gift-giving can add pressure to reconcile, making them feel conflicted about participating.

When these challenges go unacknowledged, gift-giving can shift from a thoughtful, meaningful practice into something that feels burdensome, exclusionary, or harmful. Instead, a mindful approach to gifting—one that centers on empathy and inclusivity—can transform the act into a powerful gesture of care and connection.

Does Stigma Impact Gift Giving?

The stigma surrounding substance use, mental health, and gambling can have a profound effect on gift-giving.  Assumptions or a lack of understanding about what may be helpful or harmful to individuals dealing with these challenges is a result of stigmas. For example, a well-intentioned gift of alcohol or lottery tickets may unintentionally trigger harmful behaviors or undermine someone’s recovery journey. Similarly, ignoring the unique needs of individuals facing mental health challenges may result in gifts that feel thoughtless or even alienating, reinforcing feelings of isolation or shame. There might also be beliefs that individuals in recovery from substance use, mental health, and recovery don’t deserve gifts because of the impact of their behavior on family members and loved ones.

One of the ways stigma manifests in gift-giving is through avoidance or discomfort. People may hesitate to address sensitive issues or ask what someone might truly need, fearing awkwardness or judgment. This reluctance can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, such as assuming that a person in recovery can “just avoid” triggers or that someone with mental health challenges doesn’t need additional support. By failing to consider the individual’s circumstances and experiences, the act of giving a gift can lose its intended purpose of fostering connection, care, and inclusion.

A Safe Space for Gift-Giving Insight

In my counseling practice, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful adjustments to holiday traditions foster healing and strengthen relationships. While our initial reaction to giving and receiving gifts may come with excitement, it’s often common to see how these traditions and culture around the holiday seasons have the opposite impact. I’ve worked with families, individuals, and communities to address some of the challenges outlined above.

For example:

  • Supporting Recovery: One family struggled to adjust their holiday traditions after their loved one entered treatment for alcohol use disorder. They initially felt frustrated at the idea of giving up their long-standing tradition of gifting alcohol as part of a larger family tradition when relatives were over. Through open conversation, they understood that maintaining this tradition was not worth jeopardizing their loved one’s progress and identifying their ultimate goal of giving gifts. They replaced alcohol-related gifts with shared experiences; and their first one was attending a holiday concert together. The family deepened their bonds and honored their loved one’s recovery.
  • Navigating Grief: In another case, a client expressed how painful it was to celebrate the holidays without their partner, who had passed away. Rather than ignoring the loss, their family honored their partner’s memory by sharing stories, cooking their favorite dish, and giving gifts that reflected their shared memories. This acknowledgment of grief brought comfort and inclusion during an otherwise difficult time.
  • Addressing Financial Barriers: During a community workshop, families expressed anxiety about not being able to afford gifts for their children. Together, we explored non-material alternatives—such as handmade crafts, letters of gratitude, or creating “experience coupons” for activities like family game nights or movie marathons. These small gestures carried deep meaning without placing financial strain on the family.
  • Campaign to Gift Responsibly: There are campaigns to commit to gifting responsibly.  The Gift Responsibly Campaign3 by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) raises awareness about the risks of gifting lottery tickets to minors. The campaign emphasizes that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for children, as they can contribute to unhealthy gambling behaviors later in life. By promoting thoughtful and responsible gift-giving, the initiative encourages individuals to consider the long-term impact of their choices during the holiday season. The campaign also highlights the importance of education and prevention in fostering healthy attitudes toward gambling. This example can lead others to consider thoughtful gift giving for areas like substance use, mental health, and grief.

These examples underscore an important point: mindful gift-giving doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures. It simply involves thoughtful consideration of someone’s circumstances, needs, and experiences.

General Tips for Gift-Giving Conversations

Having conversations around gift-giving can be challenging. We may be reluctant to over fear that we are dismissing someone’s excitement or enthusiasm; however, it is important that through conversation we can get to a better idea of what is best for the individuals in relation to gift giving. Start with empathy and intention when discussing gift-giving. Emphasize that the goal is not to criticize traditions but to create thoughtful, inclusive moments that support everyone. Frame the conversation as an opportunity for learning and growing together. Use language like, “This is an opportunity to make our gift-giving more meaningful for everyone.”

  • Share Personal Stories and Examples
    Real-life scenarios can make the message more relatable. Share how small changes in gift-giving have positively impacted others.
  • Encourage Open Conversations
    Normalize questions like:
    • “What kind of gifts do you find meaningful?”
    • “Are there gifts you’d prefer to avoid?”
      Promote curiosity and understanding rather than making assumptions.

The Solution: Strategies for Thoughtful, Inclusive Gift-Giving

Here are actionable strategies to make gift-giving more intentional, inclusive, and supportive for all individuals:

1. Avoid Triggering Gifts

  • For individuals in recovery, avoid gifts related to alcohol, gambling, or other substances. Instead, focus on hobbies, shared experiences, or wellness-related items.
  • Be mindful of individuals grieving a loss. Avoid gifts that unintentionally emphasize the absence of their loved one unless they are specifically chosen to honor their memory.

2. Consider Non-Material or Meaningful Alternatives

  • Shared Experiences: Give gifts that focus on spending time together, such as tickets to events, a home-cooked dinner, or a nature outing.
  • Personalized Gifts: Handwritten letters, photo albums, or handmade items show thoughtfulness and appreciation without relying on materialism.
  • Self-Care Gifts: Journals, books, cozy blankets, candles, or wellness kits can provide comfort and support.
  • Acts of Service: Offering your time—such as helping with chores, cooking meals, or offering childcare—can be an invaluable gift, especially for those under stress.

3. Acknowledge Unique Circumstances

  • For individuals with financial limitations, emphasize gifts that don’t require spending. Organize traditions centered on shared time, games, or storytelling.
  • For those grieving or away from family, consider thoughtful gestures like letters, care packages, or simple check-ins to let them know they are remembered and valued.
  • Respect the boundaries of individuals navigating strained relationships, and create spaces where they can still feel included without pressure.

4. Foster Open Communication

  • Normalize conversations about gift-giving preferences and sensitivities. Asking someone about their comfort level can prevent unintentional harm and help you choose a meaningful gift.
  • Share these practices within your family, workplace, and community to encourage a broader culture of inclusivity.

Beyond the Holidays

While the conversation around thoughtful gift-giving often surfaces during the holidays, it is a relevant and meaningful practice year-round. Gift-giving is not limited to presents under a tree during the winter month holidays. It is an ongoing part of how we show care, connection, and empathy in our daily lives. Whether it’s acknowledging someone’s grief, supporting their recovery, or respecting their personal circumstances, the intention behind a gift carries far more weight than the gift itself.

As we move forward, let us approach gift-giving with the awareness that our choices have the power to uplift or unintentionally harm. By fostering a culture of thoughtful, inclusive gifting, we can transform this tradition into one that brings joy, connection, and healing for all. This holiday season and beyond, let’s commit to gifts that reflect care, understanding, and respect. Whether big or small, material or experiential, a thoughtful gift can make a lasting impact on the lives of those we love.

Mindful gifting isn’t just a seasonal practice—it’s a lifelong commitment to inclusivity and compassion.

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How We Speak Matters: Undoing Stigmatizing Language: Andrew Schreier

Andrew J. Schreier is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty years of experience in substance use, mental health, gambling, and clinical supervision with extensive experience in clinical supervision, counseling, and education. He serves as the Director of Clinical Services for Community Medical Services in Wisconsin and Minnesota, overseeing treatment programs for opioid use disorder. A national speaker and host of the Talking Addiction & Recovery podcast, Andrew explores topics such as substance use, mental health, and gambling to foster meaningful change for individuals seeking care and growth and development for professionals.

The passion for this topic stems from witnessing the profound impact that stigma can have on individuals seeking help. I’ve seen how a single word—uttered carelessly or in written communication—can either empower someone or push them further into isolation. This has driven me to advocate for compassionate, person-first language in every aspect of treatment and recovery for several issues impacting millions of people.

Language is the foundation of human connection. Words can shape people and culture. It’s how we communicate thoughts, share feelings, and build relationships. But when it comes to substance use, mental health, gambling, criminal justice, and recovery, the words we use can do more than just describe; they can harm, stigmatize, or exclude.

What Is Stigma?

Stigma is a negative association with circumstance or trait that can result in discrimination against a person for a certain characteristic(s).  Stigma can also be described as internal feelings of shame or judgment from others.  Language includes words or phrases with negative labels that assign judgment.  

Stigma around addiction may come from old and inaccurate ideas or fear of things that are different or misunderstood. Today, we know that addiction is a chronic, treatable medical condition. We also know that people can recover and continue to lead healthy lives.

The Power of Language

Words matter. Language is not just a tool for communication; it shapes perceptions, influences policies, and defines how individuals are treated. Yet, in relation to substance use, mental health, gambling, and criminal justice spaces, stigmatizing language remains a persistent issue.  Examples of stigmatizing language include: 

  • Terms like “addict,” “junkie,” or “relapse” reduce people to their conditions and perpetuate shame.   
  • Many generations have grown up in a society where language such as “crazy,” “psycho,” “loony,” “nutty,” and “mentally ill” were acceptable words to describe an individual with mental health.  
  • “Pathological,” “compulsive,” “irresponsible gambler,” and “gambling addict” generally attract substantial negative stereotypes, social distancing, emotional reactions, status loss, and discrimination.
  • Designed to desensitize, terms such as “felon,” “convict,” “offender,” and “criminal” replace names and other descriptions, such as “woman,” “daughter,” “father,” “child,” or “person.” These labels compound punishment and ultimately harm by reducing people to their worst moments, fueling stigma and haunting people for years after sentences are served.

The consequences of this language are far-reaching. Stigmatizing terms discourage individuals from seeking help, fearing judgment or discrimination. Feeling stigmatized can reduce the willingness of individuals with substance use disorders to seek treatment.  Stigmatizing views of people with substance use disorders are common; this stereotyping can lead others to feel pity, fear, anger, and a desire for social distance from people with a substance use disorder.  In clinical settings, they can perpetuate bias in documentation and decision-making.  Stigmatizing language can negatively influence healthcare provider perceptions of people with substance use disorders, which can impact the care they provide.  At the community level, such language reinforces negative stereotypes, reducing public support for funding and policy changes that could expand access to treatment.

By addressing this issue, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those struggling with addiction and other behavioral health challenges. Shifting to person-first language—such as “person with a substance use disorder” or “person with a gambling disorder” instead of  “substance abuser” or “gambling addict”—respects the individual’s humanity and acknowledges their capacity for recovery.

Introducing Person-Centered Language 

Person-centered language is a language that puts people first. People are so much more than their substance use disorder, mental illness, or disability. Using person-centered language is about respecting the dignity, worth, unique qualities, and strengths of every individual. 

The solution to this issue begins with awareness and education. Through my work, I’ve identified several actionable strategies that can help professionals, organizations, and communities move toward more supportive language:

  1. Adopt Person-First Language: Referring to individuals as “persons with a substance use disorder” or “persons experiencing gambling-related harm” emphasizes their humanity and potential for recovery. This small change can make a big difference in how people feel about seeking help.
  2. Eliminate Stigmatizing Terms: Words like “relapse” can be replaced with “return to use,” and “addict” with “individual in recovery.” Such shifts reduce shame and promote a more constructive dialogue.
  3. Train Professionals: Regular training for clinicians, social workers, and other providers can help them understand the impact of their words and adopt best practices for communication.
  4. Revise Documentation Practices: Clinical records should reflect person-centered care by avoiding labels and focusing on specific behaviors, needs, and strengths.
  5. Raise Public Awareness: Community education campaigns can dispel myths, challenge stereotypes, and encourage supportive attitudes toward those in recovery.

Letting Go of Stigmatizing Terms

Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how stigmatizing language impacts individuals in treatment. Early in my work, I noticed how terms like “noncompliant” or “frequent flyer” in clinical documentation shaped the attitudes of treatment teams. Patients were often unfairly labeled before they even walked through the door. Recognizing this, I began advocating for changes within my teams, encouraging the use of language that focused on behaviors and needs rather than labels.

Initially, the thought of simply removing stigmatizing words and replacing them with person-centered language appeared easy.  However, after beginning to take on that task it became more apparent at how prevalent stigmatizing language is through policies, procedures, textbooks, sources, narratives, educational materials, and awareness campaigns to name a few.  In asking people to eliminate stigmatizing language meant asking them to let go of words they have come to use on a regular basis.  

Some people used those words to describe themselves in their own recovery with lived experience. Professionals have used stigmatizing terms in how they talked not only to but about people they served. Helping professionals let go of stigmatizing language involves acknowledging past habits, understanding their impact, and actively working through a process that includes reflection, education, and practice. Here are some tips to facilitate this journey, including the idea that it might resemble a grief process:

  1. Acknowledge Past Usage Without Judgment
    1. Normalize Mistakes: Remind professionals that everyone has used stigmatizing language at some point due to societal norms, training, or common phrases.
    2. Create Safe Spaces: Foster environments where professionals can openly discuss their language habits without fear of judgment. Encourage the perspective that improvement begins with self-awareness.
  1. Understand the Emotional Attachment to Language
    1. Recognize Resistance: Letting go of familiar terms can feel uncomfortable. Professionals may associate certain languages with their identity, training, or professional experience.
    2. Embrace the Grief Process: Encourage professionals to view this shift as a form of grief. They might feel denial, anger, or sadness before accepting and embracing change. Support them by discussing these emotions openly.
  1. Educate on the Impact of Language
    1. Highlight Harmful Effects: Show how stigmatizing language perpetuates stereotypes and discourages individuals from seeking help. For example, terms like “addict” increase perceptions of personal blame, leading to worse treatment outcomes.
    2. Use Data and Stories: Share research and real-life examples demonstrating how person-first language fosters dignity and better outcomes for individuals.
  1. Provide Practical Strategies for Change
    1. Use Person-First Language: Train professionals to replace terms like “addict” with “person with a substance use disorder.” This approach focuses on the individual rather than the condition.
    2. Pause and Reflect: Encourage them to pause and consider the potential impact of their words before speaking.
    3. Use Tools and Resources: Offer quick-reference guides or charts that suggest alternatives to stigmatizing terms.
  1. Normalize Continuous Learning
    1. Reframe Learning as Growth: Remind professionals that language evolves. A commitment to lifelong learning aligns with professional ethics and improves patient care.
    2. Practice Role-Playing: Use training sessions to practice reframing conversations and identifying stigmatizing phrases.
  1. Promote Organizational Support
    1. Leadership Modeling: Encourage leaders to adopt and model inclusive language to set an example for their teams.
    2. Policy Updates: Advocate for policies and documentation practices that reflect non-stigmatizing language.
  1. Celebrate Small Wins
    1. Acknowledge progress, even if it’s incremental. Shifting language habits takes time and effort, but every step forward is meaningful and recognizing any positive change provides dignity, compassion, and respect for the people we serve.  

By normalizing the discomfort that comes with change and framing it as part of a growth process, professionals can move toward language that uplifts and empowers those they serve.  

Language as a Tool to Change

Undoing stigmatizing language is about more than changing words; it’s about transforming the culture of substance use, mental health, gambling, criminal justice, and other spaces related to people we serve. By speaking with care and intention, we can create environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to seek help.

In talking to and about individuals, the best practice and way to eliminate harm is by letting people choose how they want to be described. If you are not sure what words to use, just ask.  Avoid using language that defines someone by their condition. Use updated, accurate terminology instead of outdated terms. Avoid language that makes judgment. Describe without downplaying or becoming overly graphic. Use person-centered language that avoids seeing them as their diagnosis and instead focuses on the whole person.  

Looking ahead, I envision a future where person-first language becomes the standard in all areas of behavioral health. This includes expanding training programs, integrating these principles into policy and advocacy work, and using a multitude of platforms.  

Language has the power to heal or harm. Let’s choose to use it as a tool for connection, compassion, and change.