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Language considerations for children of parents with substance use disorders
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Language considerations for children of parents with substance use disorders

Hannah S Appleseth, Susette A Moyers, Erica K Crockett-Barbera, Micah Hartwell, Stephan Arndt and Julie M Croff
Substance abuse treatment, prevention and policy, Vol.18(1), pp.28-4
05/19/2023
DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00536-z
PMCID: PMC10197365
PMID: 37208692
url
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-023-00536-zView
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Parents with substance use disorders are highly stigmatized by multiple systems (e.g., healthcare, education, legal, social). As a result, they are more likely to experience discrimination and health inequities [1, 2]. Children of parents with substance use disorders often do not fare any better, as they frequently experience stigma and poorer outcomes by association [3, 4]. Calls to action for person-centered language for alcohol and other drug problems have led to improved terminology [5-8]. Despite a long history of stigmatizing, offensive labels such as "children of alcoholics" and "crack babies," children have been left out of person-centered language initiatives. Children of parents with substance use disorders can feel invisible, shameful, isolated, and forgotten-particularly in treatment settings when programming is centered on the parent [9, 10]. Person-centered language is shown to improve treatment outcomes and reduce stigma [11, 12]. Therefore, we need to adhere to consistent, non-stigmatizing terminology when referencing children of parents with substance use disorders. Most importantly, we must center the voices and preferences of those with lived experience to enact meaningful change and effective resource allocation.
 Child Emotions Humans Language Parents Social Stigma Substance-Related Disorders - therapy

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