Governor Kathy Hochul's administration is proposing a shift in terminology, advocating for the replacement of the term "addict" with "person with a substance abuse disorder" within New York State government. This change is part of a broader initiative to combat the opioid crisis, included in Hochul's $252 billion budget proposal. Interestingly, the state agency responsible for overseeing substance abuse treatment is known as the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
As reported by The New York Post, the budget memo highlights the intention to "remove stigmatizing language in multiple areas of law by replacing 'an addict or a habitual user of any narcotic drug' with 'a person with a substance use disorder.'" This linguistic shift has sparked criticism from some quarters, who view it as an excessive focus on semantics. Gerard Kasser, chairman of the state Conservative Party, expressed his disapproval, stating, "New York State government should stop worrying about verbiage and worry about providing treatment. I’d rather see state officials focusing on saving lives." Similarly, Republican Senator George Borrello criticized the move, labeling it "ridiculous" and accusing Democrats of prioritizing language over effective policy.
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Despite the backlash, there are those who support the change, arguing that language plays a crucial role in reducing stigma. Luke Nasta, executive director of Camelot Counseling in Staten Island, defended the proposal, asserting, "The purpose of the change is to reduce the stigma for people who are dependent on drugs." He emphasized the importance of making the issue more understandable and addressing it more effectively by minimizing stigma. Nasta also noted that the proposed terminology aligns with how treatment providers already refer to patients.
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Governor Hochul's budget plan allocates nearly $1.25 billion for substance abuse treatment through the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. It also includes provisions for paramedics to administer Buprenorphine/nalox for opioid abuse treatment and allows providers to dispense a three-day supply of opioid use disorder medication to reduce overdose risks. While the debate over language continues, the focus remains on addressing the opioid epidemic and improving treatment options for those affected.