Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.164

Changing the Language of Addiction Medicine: The Case of Gambling Disorder

Lea Kozina ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia *
Tanja Fajt ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Andreja Grgas ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Mateja Grizelj Benussi ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivona Zelenika ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Ćelić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of gambling-related
problems is increasing every day, with 450 million
people worldwide displaying risky gambling
behavior. Among adolescents, gambling-related
problems are even more common, and more than
10% of adolescents worldwide gambled in the
past year. Despite this, the influence of the gambling
industry is growing, and its global profit is
expected to exceed 150 billion dollars by 2030.
Although addictive disorders, including gambling
disorder, are common in the general population,
people suffering from some form of addiction are
still frequently subjected to stigmatization. One
way to reduce stigma toward these individuals is
through the use of correct terminology. Staff at
University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, as part
of the international Unplugged project, strive to
expand other professionals’ knowledge about behavioral addictions, including by promoting
appropriate language use. Objectives: The presentation
outlines basic concepts that are important
for understanding gambling disorder, as well as
correct addiction-medicine terminology recommended
for use in everyday work with people
suffering from some form of addiction. Discussion:
The presentation first explains the difference
between the terms gambling, commercial
gambling, gambling products, gambling market,
gambling-related harm, harmful/risky gambling,
pathological gambling, gambling disorder, problem
gambling, and gambling addiction. In the
second part, it explains why changing language
can reduce stigma toward people living with
addiction. This can be crucial in treating these
individuals, given that those who experience
stigma have worse treatment outcomes, more
pronounced symptoms, and poorer functioning.
Public stigma and discrimination may lead to
self-stigma, that is, internalized negative stereotypes
and shame, which reduces the likelihood of
recovery. Therefore, in addiction treatment, it is
recommended to use person-first language, that
is, terms such as person with a substance use
disorder, person living with addiction, person
with gambling disorder. The term addict should
be avoided. Conclusion: Professionals should use
language that reduces shame, respects the person,
and supports their recovery. Understanding
addiction as a chronic disease and using correct
medical terminology contribute to the recovery
of people living with addiction.

Keywords

addictology; language; gambling; addictions; stigma

Hrčak ID:

352275

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352275

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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