In our journey as followers of Christ, we recognize the transformative power of words. The language we use to describe others—particularly those facing challenges like Substance Use Disorder (SUD)—shapes not only how they are perceived but also how they perceive themselves. For those of us rooted in a faith tradition that calls us to love our neighbors, our words should reflect God’s grace, compassion, and unwavering love. This is the first in a series of articles exploring the impact of compassionate, biblically grounded language on how we approach SUD and other struggles. In this series, I’ll be sharing deeper insights, tools, and theological reflections on how faith communities can shift their language to mirror the gospel’s message of redemption and dignity.
My friend Robert Ashford’s research on person-first language—referring to someone as a “person with a substance use disorder” rather than an “addict”—has deeply influenced my perspective on this topic. His work, highlighted in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, uncovers how terms like “substance abuser” and “opioid addict” fuel negative biases and reinforce harmful stereotypes. Ashford’s study found that “terms such as ‘substance abuser’ and ‘opioid addict’ have been shown to elicit greater negative explicit bias” (Ashford et al., 2018, p. 131). However, person-first language can diminish stigma and foster respect, something we’ll explore in detail in this series.
The Power of Words in Scripture
The Bible frequently emphasizes the significance of our words. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our words can either uplift or condemn, show mercy or judgment. When we refer to someone facing addiction as an “addict” or “substance abuser,” we risk reducing them to a single struggle. By using person-first language, we intentionally acknowledge their humanity first instead of their disease first. This honors that each person is more than the challenges they face.
In Ashford’s study, people responded to terms like “substance abuser” or “addict” with more social distance and implicit bias, reinforcing damaging preconceptions. He writes, “The terms ‘substance abuser,’ ‘addict,’ ‘alcoholic,’ and ‘opioid addict’ were strongly associated with the negative” (Ashford et al., 2018, p. 133). This bias has lasting impacts, creating real barriers to the treatment and acceptance individuals with SUD deserve. In this series, we’ll explore how adopting a person-first approach to language can help us see individuals as God sees them—worthy of compassion, dignity, and love.
A Biblical Mandate for Compassion
The biblical command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) compels us to respond with grace, not judgment. Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion for the marginalized and the suffering. In Matthew 9:36, we see Jesus moved with compassion for the crowds “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” When we encounter those struggling with SUD, this same compassion calls us to respond with empathy, knowing their journey is complex and often misunderstood.
The concept of imago Dei—the belief that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)—reminds us of each person’s intrinsic worth and dignity. Using person-first language honors this divine image by placing humanity before affliction. Ashford’s study supports this, showing that person-first terms like “person with a substance use disorder” reduce implicit biases. He writes, “Both ‘medication-assisted recovery’ and ‘long-term recovery’ are strongly associated with the positive, and significantly different from the negative association” (Ashford et al., 2018, p. 135). Person-first language allows us to honor individuals as whole beings, reflecting the biblical call to love others without prejudice.
Language as a Reflection of Our Faith
Using compassionate language doesn’t deny the realities of substance use, nor does it gloss over the struggles of addiction. Rather, it allows us to speak words that extend grace, hope, and dignity—consistent with the heart of the gospel. Jesus’ teachings show us the transformative power of compassion. In John 8:10-11, he tells the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” This is a powerful example of Christian love: the desire to uplift without condemnation. Through person-first language, we offer respect, dignity, and a reminder of each person’s God-given worth, regardless of the hardships they face.
This article is just the beginning. In the coming pieces, I’ll dive deeper into the theological basis for person-first language and explore how it can change lives within our communities. We’ll discuss the theological, practical, and relational elements of person-first language. My goal is to equip the church with ways to offer true support for those affected by SUD and their families. We’ll also explore how person-first language can be woven into our worship, ministries, and interactions with one another in order to make our churches places of refuge and healing.