Resources

Language matters

Language is powerful—especially when discussing alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and the people who use them.

Intended for the non-government AOD resource provides workers with best-practice guidelines on how to use language empower clients and reinforce a person-centred approach.

Dr Robert Stirling, CEO of NADA, says: ‘Language Matters is about supporting us all to be mindful and deliberate with the language we use. We might not realise we are using stigmatising language that reinforce negative stereotypes. However, we know that words we use in practice may inadvertently prevent people from accessing treatment and support.’

Language matters was developed by NADA and NUAA, in consultation with non-government AOD workers and people who use drugs.

Download language matters [PDF]



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