Perhaps you've heard it said that "we are all recovering from something".  This declaration is often attributed to Dr. Dawn Nickel, co-founder of SHE RECOVERS. "Although 70-80% of SHE RECOVERS followers are in recovery from substance use disorders, those disorders are just coping mechanisms used to numb oneself from the pain we are really recovering, i.e. Trauma. Abandonment. Shame. Low Self-esteem. Fear. Insecurity. Regret. Grief," explains Nickel.

The reason this universal phrase resonates deeply with me is because it is so inclusive. In today's vernacular, the term inclusive is often used in tandem with the words diversity and equity to describe the significance of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded or marginalized because of race, gender, sexuality, physical or mental abilities.

Destigmatize with word choices

I considered these two concepts when I commented on a recent post by a colleague on LinkedIn. The post highlighted the importance of encouraging people to reframe their language, specifically their choice of WORDS, as a way to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders (SUDs).