How to Use “People First” Language When Speaking About Individuals in Recovery

Using “people first” language helps to first emphasize the dignity of a person as a human being, rather than labeling their condition or something they have experienced as the thing that defines them.

For example, labeling someone as an “addict” or “alcoholic” is stigmatizing and makes it appear that it is all that the individual is. Instead, we should refer to them as “a person impacted by addiction/alcoholism” or “substance use disorder” to avoid this negative connotation and recognize that they are MUCH more than their condition.

This language can also be readily applied to someone who has criminal convictions. Instead of using terms such as “convict,” “criminal,” “parolee,” or “offender,” we should use terms such as “a person with a criminal record” or “criminal convictions” or “impacted by the criminal justice system” or “past criminal justice involvement.”

Using this “people first” or “person-first” language, we maintain an environment of respect and hope and avoid defining individuals with stereotypes.