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Unfortunately, we are either suffering from substance use disorder or know someone suffering from the disease. How important is our language in how we address ourselves and others? What do you need to know as a leader? One of Suzula Bidon’s learned lessons from her life experiences and working with those suffering from substance use disorder is language. Language can create a barrier between you and the person recovering, or language can help you connect.
Learn 5 ways you can use inclusive language with those suffering from substance use disorder. Find out what helps create connections and what kind of language creates human division. Help to change misinformed perceptions in our society and the workplace. Start by Listening HERE
- Stigma vs. Discrimination. Discover how stigma is used to discriminate.
- Addiction vs. Substance use disorder. What has changed in mental health terminology?
- Addict vs. Person in Recovery. What language divides, and what language separates the person from the disease?
- Using vs. Not-using or Clean vs. Dirty. When a person is in recovery, they go through periods where they are tested to determine whether they are using drugs or not. What is the best terminology to use when the results come back?
- Medication-Assisted Treatment vs. Going Cold Turkey. What is the current brain research? What does it take to cultivate new habits and behaviors and enjoy life again?
Suzula also shares how she and her Mother are doing. The things they both have done to grow closer and understand each other better. What did her Mom need to let go of? It is beautiful to hear how they both made changes in themselves and how they interact with each other to carve out a mother/daughter relationship that works!
WeMentor Meaningful Activities
Take the 5 Ways to Use Inclusive Language and integrate the new terminology into your life and leadership practices.
- Re-examine your daily habits. It is spring; maybe it is time to determine what habits and behaviors enrich your relationship with yourself and those around you.
- It is a good time to get support and learn new leadership skills. Check out WeMentor LABs.
Podcast Guest Mentor
Suzula Bidon. Suzula lives in long-term recovery from addiction, dedicated to smashing stigma and helping people thrive. She is an attorney, entrepreneur, yoga instructor (E-RYT 200), and Certified Peer Recovery, Specialist. Bidon is also the creator of Recovery Yoga Meetings®, a yoga curriculum designed to help individuals beat addiction and thrive in recovery by living and breathing the principles of recovery – on the mat and in their lives. Bidon leads Recovery Yoga Meetings® in yoga studios and treatment facilities. She offers Recovery Yoga Teacher Training for yoga teachers, too.
Bidon knows from personal experience that addiction is a public health issue best addressed with treatment – not punishment. In her legal work, she specializes in expungements (sealing criminal records), consults on addiction-related policy, and educates legal professionals about addiction and the need for criminal justice reform.
Bidon volunteers her time for public service as well. She is a member of Minnesota’s Lawyers Assistance Program, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL), where she sits on the Cases and Interventions Committee. Bidon is also the Chair of the Ramsey County Citizen’s Advisory Council Chemical Health Committee.
Bidon speaks and writes openly about her addiction, recovery, and the criminal justice system in various forums. She has testified at the legislature about sentencing guideline reform. She presents Continuing Legal Education seminars for legal professionals. She speaks in treatment centers and at events around the country. She has been featured in The Huffington Post, Star Tribune, and Forbes.com. Her article, “A New Call to Action: Lawyers and Addiction,” was published in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue of The Hennepin Lawyer.
Credentials & Expertise
- Attorney at Law, licensed in Minnesota: Addiction Law and Policy
- J.D. William Mitchell College of Law
- B.A. Barnard College
- Peer Support Minnesota Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
- Yoga Alliance Certified Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200): Yoga, Health, and Wellness Specialist
Learn more about Suzula and Recovery Yoga Meetings® HERE Facebook: @rymtgs
Episode 117: 5 Ways to Use Inclusive Language
Author: Nancy A. Meyer, M.A.
Nancy A. Meyer, M.A., is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader, business and life mentor/coach/teacher, podcaster, author, and certified mindfulness yoga and meditation integrator (she integrates those skill sets into everything). Nancy’s compassionate and collaborative approach reinforces resilience while maintaining accountable conversations supporting how you redefine your lead while redesigning your business. Nancy calls this “Dual Innovation Leadership.” Nancy founded WeMentor, inc. in 1992 to change the leadership in our country by providing emerging and existing business owners with mentoring in Dual Innovation Leadership. She has mentored thousands and is eager to work with you! Assert self-leadership and get started today! Clients say, “Nancy is a compelling, engaging, and ‘decipher the trees from the forest’ kind of mentor, speaker, and leader. A dedicated entrepreneurial leader and mentor who role models what she preaches. Her style and candor enrich the content she delivers and the results clients experience.” Nancy accepts people where they are while inspiring them to breakthrough into new dimensions: As an Entrepreneurial Leader (Innovator), As a Competent Business Owner (Practitioner) As a Mentor (Role Model) As a Spiritual Being and Self-Leadership Master! Start by subscribing to WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST. Join your peers and...
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