Addiction as Brand?
This sponsored post appeared in my Facebook feed over the weekend. While demeaning language towards those addicted to drugs or alcohol is indeed part of everyday conversation, it now looks like corporate America is in on the take and trying to monetize it.
How many times have you heard someone casually say “what a bunch of drunks” to a group of friends who overindulged the previous night? Use “alcoholic” as a derogatory synonym for lazy or worthless? Yell “alcohol abuse!” when someone spills their drink at a club? Or how about the oft-repeated gem that “queso is as addictive as crack" at an office lunch?
Would you make similar-toned comments towards women? Or the LGBTQ+ community? Or Black Americans? Or a cancer survivor? Yeah, didn't think so. Words count. And language towards #addiction shouldn't be any different.
As an alcoholic (writer) in recovery via AA — easy joke there — I do have thick skin. But let's choose our words about #alcoholism and addiction more carefully — especially brands.