Words are a powerful weapon words area powerful weapon
By Avenue B Harm Reduction
Words are a powerful weapon. Words like junkie, crackhead and prostitute – even when said in jest – are dangerous. These words, and others like them, create stigma and perpetuate stereotypes about people who use drugs or sell sex. The dehumanizing effects of stigma push people to the margins of our society where help and security are much harder to find. Using stigmatizing language tells people that they are less valuable than others and less worthy of support. Stigma prevents those who use drugs or sell sex from seeking help for addictions, seeking mental health support and even accessing basic medical care. Stigma is a killer. It is time to use our words wisely. [Keep reading]
READ MORE: The Impact of Stigma and Avoiding Stigmatizing Language
