When the word drugs is used, what do you envision? A shady guy on the street corner nervously looking around as he hands a packet to a customer?
In our society, when we refer to drugs, it’s usually in the context of illegal behavior. Drugs are unhealthy and dangerous.
When we use the word medications, it suggests that you’ve seen a medical professional who has prescribed them to treat your specific condition. Thus, medication has a positive connotation.
I can usually tell if the parent of one of my clients has a negative or positive view of treating conditions with medications. “I’m not putting my kid on drugs” is the angry comment I hear from parents who equate the drugs with medications.
Be careful how you talk about your children’s medical management. Children may not understand the difference and if you refer to their medications as “drugs”, they may be confused when they participate in their school’s anti-drug week. Words matter.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send a question.
In our society, when we refer to drugs, it’s usually in the context of illegal behavior. Drugs are unhealthy and dangerous.
When we use the word medications, it suggests that you’ve seen a medical professional who has prescribed them to treat your specific condition. Thus, medication has a positive connotation.
I can usually tell if the parent of one of my clients has a negative or positive view of treating conditions with medications. “I’m not putting my kid on drugs” is the angry comment I hear from parents who equate the drugs with medications.
Be careful how you talk about your children’s medical management. Children may not understand the difference and if you refer to their medications as “drugs”, they may be confused when they participate in their school’s anti-drug week. Words matter.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send a question.
