Substance Use Disorders Are Psychiatric Disorders: Response to Balasanova

I want to thank Dr. Alëna Balasanova for bringing attention to the issue she raises. She correctly asserts that substance use disorders should not be viewed as being separate from psychiatric disorders, and I agree that words do matter. While in my Editor’s Note I used the phrases “substance use disorders and how they relate to psychiatric illnesses,” and “substance use disorders are highly comorbid with psychiatric disorders,” my intent was not to “other” or further stigmatize individuals with substance use disorders, but rather to bring recognition to the importance of providing comprehensive and integrated treatment to individuals struggling with substance use disorders and other comorbid psychiatric symptoms. In the future, I will be sure to use language that makes it clear that substance use disorders are psychiatric disorders.