The words we use when discussing mental health and substance use carry significant weight. Recovery-oriented language emphasises a person-first, individualised perspective, aiming to reduce stigma and empower individuals. While it acknowledges the possibility of change and maintains optimism for the future, it avoids placing expectations on recovery, recognising that each person’s journey is unique.
Recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life in a community of choice with or without the presence of a mental health condition.
What is Recovery-Oriented Language?
Recovery-oriented language is about how we communicate about mental health challenges and substance use. The words we choose can either empower individuals or perpetuate outdated perspectives, further marginalising those in recovery. This approach involves being mindful of our language to avoid stigmatising terms and instead focus on well-being, hope, and the potential for positive change.
Why Use Recovery-Oriented Language?
Using recovery-oriented language is crucial for fostering a supportive environment for individuals in recovery. Common colloquial terms like ‘crazy’, ‘psycho’, or ‘space cadet’ contribute to self-stigmatisation, shame, and guilt. Consequently, these feelings become barriers to seeking help and achieving recovery. Emphasising strengths, potential for growth, and well-being helps individuals feel valued and understood. Additionally, this is especially important during early recovery stages when the future may seem daunting.
Benefits of Recovery-Oriented Language
Reducing Stigma and Shame
Recovery-oriented language helps reduce the stigma and shame associated with mental health and substance use disorders. When individuals and their support networks communicate in a way that emphasises strengths and growth, it builds self-esteem, fosters understanding, and creates a foundation of trust. This support is crucial for the overall well-being of individuals in recovery.
Enhancing Communication
This type of language promotes better communication between individuals in recovery, their families, and service providers. Focusing on personalised and effective treatment ensures that individuals are at the centre of their recovery, highlighting their agency and self-determination.
Promoting a Culture of Recovery
A community that embraces recovery-oriented language fosters a culture of recovery, which, in turn, encourages more people to seek treatment and support. Just the belief that society is more likely to meet them with empathy and understanding helps them on their recovery journey.
Practical Tips for Using Recovery-Oriented Language
Use Person-First Language: Always refer to individuals as people first rather than defining them by their condition (e.g., “person with schizophrenia” instead of “schizophrenic”).
Focus on Strengths: Highlight the individual’s strengths and achievements rather than focusing solely on their challenges.
Avoid Stigmatising Terms: Replace harmful terms like “crazy” or “addict” with more respectful language, as highlighted in the table below.
Acknowledge Individual Journeys: Recognise that recovery looks different for everyone and celebrate small victories along the way. Also, understand that recovery is not linear. Slip-ups and backward steps are common and an accepted part of the journey.
Be Empathetic and Supportive: Use language that shows empathy and support rather than judgment or criticism.
Let’s remember that recovery is a deeply personal and unique journey for each individual. It’s crucial to recognise that everyone’s goals and priorities differ. For some, rebuilding relationships, securing housing, increasing social participation, improving mental and physical health, or achieving sobriety will take precedence over what society thinks recovery should look like, and that’s perfectly okay.
In the context of Psychosocial Recovery Coaching (PRC), providers and support networks must adopt a flexible, individualised approach to treatment and support services. By embracing a realistic, non-linear recovery strategy and using recovery-oriented language, we acknowledge that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about making progress, no matter how small, and understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey.
At CoAbility, we are committed to supporting people in their unique recovery journeys, using recovery-oriented language to foster an environment of hope, respect, and empowerment. Ultimately, we work together with the people we support to help them achieve their personal goals and build fulfilling lives.
If you are looking for a Recovery Coach to help you unravel your NDIS journey and walk with you on your recovery road, give us a call and have a chat. You never know, we may be the perfect fit.
