SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND CALLING FOR THE END OF STIGMA AND EMPOWERING RECOVERY THROUGH LANGUAGE IN RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution recognizes September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, and media to replace stigmatizing terms (like "addict" or "clean") with respectful, person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder"). It directs state entities to review all official materials for non-stigmatizing language and requires future substance use policies to be developed with input from the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on changing communication practices to reduce stigma and support recovery. It was passed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.