Language of Addiction: Exploring the Power of Words in Relation to Substance Abuse
Part I.
“Did you hear? Mike’s back in jail…”, I overheard my aunt say to my mother. They were talking about their older brother, my uncle. My mother didn’t even have to ask why to know the reasoning behind Uncle Mike’s recidivism. “Well, there’s nothing we can do about it”, my mother replied. I could tell by her tone that it hurt her to know her brother was back in prison, but her facial expression revealed a sense of neutrality. Almost as if these circumstances were inevitable for Uncle Mike. I recall approaching my mother and asking her to explain what had happened.
“Uncle Mike’s an addict”. I stared at her blankly; my mind simply couldn’t process this information. The same Uncle Mike who would pick my sister and I up and put us on his shoulders, running and hollering around the backyard, making us laugh so hard we nearly cried. The same Uncle Mike who would take my Abuela to go grocery shopping, or to her doctor’s appointments. The same Uncle Mike who always snuck me Sour Patch Kids even after my mom had told him I couldn’t have any more candy. How could this man be capable of being an addict?
My mother explained that it began when they were young, and Uncle Mike began hanging out with the “wrong crowd”. He was first introduced to recreational drugs, but as time progressed, the only substances he could enjoy were illegal. “Uncle Mike is a bad example”, my mother said, sternly. “You do not want to end up like Uncle Mike”.
After my mother told me this, I completely forgot about the person I’d known Uncle Mike to be. In my mind, and many of my family members, his addiction defined him. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I began to dig deeper into understanding substance abuse. In my AP Psychology class, our teacher lectured us on these disorders, explaining the multiple factors that can lead to addictive behaviors, like genetic predisposition, environmental contributions, and abuse. Prior to this, I was convinced that addicts brought their suffering on to themselves. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for falling into society’s stigma of those who suffer from addiction.
Luckily, the exposure I received revealed the reality behind addiction. That addicts are humans, just like everyone else, and deserve to be seen as so. If society can accept that not everybody is perfect, then why must we shame those suffering from addiction? By ostracizing addicts with demeaning terminology, like “junkie”, we disgrace them for their actions, characterizing them by their illness. It’s crucial, as members of society, that we support all of our individuals, particularly those struggling with addiction, to ensure that preconceived notions don’t destroy the lives of individuals who are in desperate need of society’s help.
Part II.
Drugs play a very prominent role in modern life, medically and recreationally. My Uncle’s story reveals the downside from recreational usage, forcing him to become dependent on drugs just to get through an average day. But what people don’t realize is that addiction is actually a disease. Substance use disorders, better known as addiction, are chronic brain malfunctions that make drug use compulsive and have a high potential for recurrence (Botticelli & Koh). Despite addiction’s disease status, those who suffer continuously face discrimination from society, impacting their health and willingness to receive treatment (NIDA). But what is this stigma and where does it arise from? The stigma revolving around addiction consists of negative attitudes and stereotypical assumptions, leading to those suffering being referred to as “junkies” or “crackheads” by society (NIDA and Botticelli & Koh). Addicts tend to be categorized as their disease. This is what happened to my Uncle, as he slowly became the “black sheep” of the family when his addiction was brought to light. This discrimination is not new. Even a century ago, addicts were looked down upon by society, being regarded as morally degenerate for their addictive behaviors. Addicts were often locked away into asylums or imprisoned due to their impulsive behaviors and lack of self control (Yazbek). Instead of considering the context of their disease, these struggling individuals were categorized by their mental disorder. Ultimately, this influenced the mindset of addicts, leaving them feeling helpless and undeserving of seeking treatment (NIDA).
While there are many different genetic and environmental factors that contribute to one’s development of addiction, all fixations influence the same area of the brain: the reward center. Humans are biologically inclined to be rewarded for their actions. Thus, when you complete activities like eating your favorite meal with a loved one or reading an incredible book that you just can’t put down– you stimulate the release of dopamine, rewarding yourself with the feeling of pleasure (Cleveland Clinic). Addicts are consumed by this rush and feel as if they can’t live unless they are experiencing these conditions at all times.
In terms of genetics, multiple studies have revealed that one’s genes are 40-60% responsible for an individual’s vulnerability to developing addiction (Cleveland Clinic). If someone’s immediate family member has a substance use disorder, the likelihood of them developing addiction is increased. Additionally, there is a strong correlation between mental health disorders and addiction. Roughly half of those who suffer from mental conditions like bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression will have some interaction with addiction (Cleveland Clinic). Multiple environmental factors can increase one’s likelihood for becoming an addict, such as being raised in an abrasive home, having easy accessibility to medications as a young child, or experiencing a traumatic event, like sexual assault (Cleveland Clinic). Despite their direct contribution to the progression of this disease, these factors are commonly overlooked when addressing addicts. Instead of attempting to understand one’s background and what drove them to rely on substances, society labels these individuals as “hopeless”, making them feel responsible for their addiction (NIDA). It’s essential that we understand the consequences of the language we use when referring to addicts, especially if we don’t even understand their experiences that led them to rely on substances.
It’s evident that those who struggle with addiction are separated from the rest of society; they become their own category of persons who are obsessed with consistently using drugs. In Ian Hacking’s text, Kinds of People: Moving Targets, he introduces the mechanisms society utilizes when classifying individuals into certain groupings. Hacking introduces a five-aspect framework that allows us to analyze people and create distinct categories. Firstly, there is a classification, followed by the people who fit into this classification, then the institutions who justify this. Next, the knowledge that supports this, and finally, the experts who legitimize the knowledge (Hacking, 296-297). This notion demonstrates the way in which society understands the grouping of individuals. Hacking utilizes this framework to explain two concepts: making up people and the looping effect. Both of Hacking’s principles express how certain categories are shaped, and how this contributes to the opinion of the individuals who fall into these categories. Hacking explains “making up people” as scientists’ way of creating new classifications, introducing new ways for people to understand themselves (Hacking, 285). Hacking describes the “looping effect” as the way in which classifications alter how the individuals who fall within those groupings see themselves (Hacking, 286). This influences the way individuals think and behave, ultimately altering the classification they find themselves within (Hacking, 286). These concepts apply to addicts and the way society perceives addiction. Hacking’s framework and concepts reveal how society’s language and classifications shape the experiences of those struggling with addiction.
The film, Beautiful Boy by Felix Van Groeningen, introduces a man named David who’s son, Nic, develops an addiction. Beautiful Boy illustrates addiction from the perspective of a father, watching as he slowly loses his son to the grasp of substance abuse. The film examines the language of addiction, revealing how terms like “junkie” can withdraw feelings of embarrassment and hopelessness. Throughout the movie, we watch as Nic transforms from a bright, young man into a troubled, spiraling teenager struggling with addiction. Nic’s addiction begins in high school, where he is first introduced to the recreational drugs, alcohol and marijuana. As the movie progresses, we are exposed to Nic’s mental health struggles, in which he begins isolating himself from his friends and family, relying on drugs to escape his feelings of loneliness. As mentioned previously, mental health can be a potential cause for one’s development of addiction (Cleveland Clinic). Additionally, David reveals that he had his own past with drug addiction, and even feels a sense of guilt for his son’s current involvement with substances. Genetic predisposition is another potential reasoning behind Nic’s addiction (Cleveland Clinic). Beautiful Boy illustrates the suffering of addiction from the perspective of the father of the addict, and how difficult it is to watch your loved one undergo such a twisting, demented experience. It’s clear that Nic is unsure how to stop using, and while his father wants to help him, he knows Nic needs to want to get better; he cannot cure his son’s disease by himself. However, this is difficult for Nic, as he has internalized a negative portrayal of himself. In fact, Nic even refers to himself as a “junkie”, highlighting his feelings of hopelessness and shame (Groeningen). Additionally, in a point of frustration, Nic’s stepmother calls him a “junkie”, expressing the emotional toll that Nic’s addiction has had on their family (Groeningen). As mentioned by Boticelli and Koh, referring to addicts as “junkies” reinforces the negative stereotypes society has created regarding addiction (Botticelli & Koh, 2016). Nic’s self-internalization and environment forces him to feel worthless and that he is not only destroying his life, but the lives of those who care for him. The terminology Nic and his stepmother use to describe his addiction connects to Hacking’s classification of certain individuals. Hacking explains that there is a classification, followed by the people who fit into this label, then, institutions justify these classifications, next, knowledge is used to support these ideas, and finally, experts legitimize this knowledge (Hacking, 296-297). In a Beautiful Boy, the classification is a junkie. The individual fitting into this category is Nic. The institutions supporting this claim are Nic himself and his stepmother. The knowledge used to support this classification is Nic’s evident struggle with substance abuse and the impact that it has had on his loved ones. However, there are no experts that agree that Nic is a junkie. Thus, this reinforces the idea that using these derogatory terms to describe addicts is not accurate, as no addiction expert is classifying Nic as a junkie.
This movie illustrates the importance of refraining from utilizing such terms when discussing addicts. When we use this diction, we support the stereotype that many addicts face; hopeless people who have nothing going for them. But the film reveals that this is completely inaccurate, as at the end of the film, Nic checks himself into a rehabilitation facility where he takes steps towards recovery (Groeningen). Thus, Beautiful Boy reminds us to consider the context behind one’s disease, and to recognize that addicts obtain the potential to seek help and lead better lives.
As mentioned previously, individuals who struggle with addiction have a high probability of relapsing (Botticelli & Koh). Relapsing is a very stigmatized concept of addiction, as it’s often viewed as a personal failure or lack of discipline. In 2012, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis released a song titled, “Starting Over”, in which Macklemore explains how he relapsed after three years of sobriety. Macklemore writes,
And you know what pain looks like
When you tell your dad you relapsed and look him directly into his face
Deceit on your shoulders, deceivingly heavy weight
Haven’t seen tears like this on my girl in a while
The trust that I once built’s been betrayed (Macklemore).
Throughout these lines, it’s evident that Macklemore feels disappointed for relapsing. He feels as if he’s failed his family, his girlfriend, and all those who genuinely care about him. The stigma that society has created around relapse contributes to Macklemore’s feelings of shame. Some members of society even question why individuals seek help if they’re just going to fall back into old habits (Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation). This framework makes it difficult for addicts to seek help to begin with, furthering their addiction and increasing their risk of death. Macklemore’s fear of judgement due to societal expectation makes him hesitant to tell his loved ones about what happened, and ultimately, find new ways to seek help. Macklemore continues by referencing the words his addiction counselors used to tell him and applies it to his situation. Macklemore states,
One day at a time is what they tell us
Now I gotta find a way to tell them, uh
God help ’em, yeah
One day at a time is what they tell us
Now I gotta find a way to tell them (Macklemore).
By repeating this phrase, Macklemore reiterates the importance of coming clean to his loved ones and explaining that he relapsed. This depicts language being used in a positive lighting for addicts, as he is applying the words of his sponsors to help himself make a good decision. This diction relates to Hacking’s framework, as this positive language contributed to altering Macklemore’s perspective of himself. Hacking reiterates this when he describes “making-up people” in which individuals utilize information to create a new criteria to classify people (Hacking, 285). Macklemore’s application of his sponsor’s words generates a new, positive mindset that grants him the reassurance to tell his story. The chorus of Macklemore’s song expresses this when he admits, “If I can be an example of getting sober, then I can be an example of starting over” (Macklemore). With the positive affirmations from his supporters, Macklemore is able to overcome his preconceived fears implanted by societal judgement. He’s able to tell his story and seek the help he needs without feeling ashamed or guilty for his actions.
As depicted with Nic and Macklemore’s story, having a negative self-image is quite common for addicts. In Selena Odom’s poem, My Master, Odom reiterates her personal experience with addiction, and how her disorder turned her into someone she despised. Odom exclaims,
Thanks to my master, I am now someone I hate.
I used to have a life, and it was somewhat great.
Now all I do is cheat, steal, and lie,
And then lie in bed praying to die (Odom).
These lines illuminate the hopelessness Odom experienced while battling with addiction. She feels that she now lives a life full of sin because of her addiction, and has no desire to continue her journey of life. Lying and stealing are very common behaviors of addicts, as getting a fix trumps their morals (NIH). However, it’s these behaviors that society categorizes addicts by. They disregard the fact that addiction is a real, brain dysfunction that operates on a compulsive desire (NIH). Instead, they criminalize addicts’ behaviors, even though they’re far out of the patient’s control. Odom’s feelings of despair coincide with Hacking’s “looping effect”. Hacking explains the “looping effect” as the way in which classifications alter one’s perspective on themselves (Hacking, 286). Odom understands that she suffers from addiction, in which she refers to her disease as her “Master”. By accepting that she’s fallen victim to her “Master”, Odom begins to change the way she perceives herself. She explains that her addiction made her hate herself and that she’d be better off dead. Odom’s negative self-talk makes it difficult for her to seek treatment for her addiction, as she feels too worthless to even attempt to recover. Odom remarks,
My master says, “You’ll never stay clean;
You love me too much to be happy and serene.”
He loves that I don’t even bother trying
And gravels when I am miserably crying (Odom).
In this stanza, Odom demonstrates that she’s encompassed by her addiction. Her feelings of hopelessness overpower her desire to seek treatment. Odom’s poem is a deeply touching personal account of her addiction that opens society’s eyes to what it’s really like to battle this disease. By detailing her first-hand experience, Odom contributes to the knowledge aspect of Hacking’s framework. Hacking claims that there are five aspects society uses to create classifications for people, one being knowledge (Hacking, 296). This knowledge is what’s relied upon to support these classifications, giving them a hearty substance to promote their accuracy (Hacking, 297). By retelling the suffering and defeat that she experienced, Odom adds onto the knowledge of addicts, attempting to change society’s preconceived notions on those who suffer from this disease.
Although addiction has been classified as a brain disorder, society has yet to correct the stereotype around these individuals. It’s rather common for individuals who suffer from diseases such as addiction or mental illness to experience a negative stigma from society. It’s essential that we attempt to understand the circumstances of these individuals rather than group them into a misleading classification that leaves them feeling helpless and ashamed.
Part III.
Prior to completing the source report, I knew addiction was a serious illness that had many effects on the user and those who care for them. After I completed my research on addiction and its stigma, my point of view was confirmed: addiction is a serious, brain disorder. Its impacts are detrimental to the user and their loved ones.
The source that connected to me most was Selena Odom’s poem, “My Master”. I was completely moved after reading it. Her heart-wrenching, personal account revealed to me how consuming addiction truly is. Though I can’t entirely understand Odom’s experience of addiction, her story grants me a sense of what she had to experience. It reminds me of my Uncle Mike who struggled with addiction, and how he must’ve felt. It reminded me of the importance of being empathetic to everyone, especially if I’m going to become a physician. Odom’s poem encourages me to not allow societal depictions consume my perspective, and influence my mindset when caring for patients. I must hear my patient’s struggles and provide them with the proper, personal care that they deserve.
My research reassured the significance of my paper, and why I need to explain and educate my peers how crucial it is for society to change their perspective and language when addressing addicts. I want my audience to recognize that addiction is a disease. That addicts are not “junkies”, but patients, and more importantly, humans. The discrimination we hold against addicts simply because of their illness is inexcusable and needs to be changed now. I want my paper to bring light to the stigma surrounding addiction, and hopefully, diminish this dehumanizing perspective.
Works Cited
“Addiction.” Cleveland Clinic, 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6407-addiction#symptoms-and-causes. Accessed 1 December 2024.
Botticelli, Michael P., and Howard K. Koh. “Changing the Language of Addiction.” JAMA: The
Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 316, no. 13, 2016, pp. 1361–1362. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.11874.
Hacking, Ian. “Kinds of People: Moving Targets.” Proceedings of the British Academy, vol. 151,
2007, pp. 1–21. https://doi.org/10.5871/bacad/9780197264249.003.0010.
Macklemore. Starting Over. The Heist, Ryan Lewis LLC, 2012.
Selena Odom. “My Master.” Family Friend Poems, August 13, 2010.
“Stigma and Discrimination.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022.
“Understanding and Avoiding a Relapse into Addiction.” Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2021, https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/relapse-risks-stats-and-warning-signs. Accessed 1 December 2024.
Van Groeningen, Felix, director. Beautiful Boy. Amazon Studios, 2018.
Yazbek, Carl. “How Our Perception of Drug Abuse Has Changed Over the Years.” The River
Source Addiction Treatment & Recovery, 2014, https://theriversource.org/blog/how-our-perception-of-drug-abuse-has-changed-over-the-years. Accessed 1 December 2024.
