What You Say Matters More Than You Think: A Toolkit to Help Reduce Stigma in Healthcare & Beyond
08/13/2026
Substance use disorder is a chronic medical condition, but the language surrounding it often tells a different story. “Addict,” “junkie,” “drug-seeker” – stigma happens when people see a label before they see a person and let that label influence their interactions.
This campaign and toolkit, developed by ADAI Information Team summer intern Karen Da Silva, encourages everyone, from providers to the public, to consider how the words we choose can reduce stigma, promote understanding, and support compassionate care.
The What You Say Matters toolkit features:
- An educational webpage explaining what stigma is, how bias works, how stigma impacts healthcare, and how language can hurt or help
- “The Same Door,” an animated video featuring original artwork that tells the story of Lydia, a patient with substance use disorder, who teaches us how acceptance and respect in a healthcare setting can make all the difference
- A printable factsheet for providers or other healthcare staff, explaining why words matter, what the research says about stigma and care, and a “say this, not that” guide
- An easy-to-print community zine for families, students, and the public that provides guidance on what to say when someone tells you about their substance use
- A myths vs. facts series of graphics (.zip) for social media dispelling misinformation about substance use disorders and stigma
Learning about stigma is an important first step! But lasting change doesn’t come from a single training or a new list of words. It comes from continuing to notice our assumptions, reflect on them, and practice something different.
Awareness is where change starts, not where it ends.
Get started on the process today with our What You Say Matters toolkit!
