Yes, Semantics Clearly Do Seem to Make a Difference

A study that as yet is available on-line only assessed the impact of two "commonly used terms" applied to individuals with substance-related conditions. The conclusion: "Even among highly trained mental health professionals, exposure to these two commonly used terms ["a substance abuser" and "having a substance use disorder"] evokes systematically different judgments. The commonly used 'substance abuser' term may perpetuate stigmatizing attitudes." Kelly JF and Westerhoff CM. Int J Drug Pol (2009), doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2009.10.010