Social Work Vocabulary

noun a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority

verb There are no applicable verbs for the word 'child' in this context

adjective of, relating to, or characteristic of a child

• The child displayed exceptional talent in mathematics at a young age.
• The kid is really good at math for their age.
• That little one is a math whiz!
• The child's mind was like a sponge, absorbing knowledge effortlessly.

noun a condition characterized by the compulsive use of drugs despite negative consequences

• Drug addiction is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment.
• My cousin has been struggling with drug addiction for years.
• She's hooked on drugs and can't seem to kick the habit.
• His addiction to drugs was like a weight dragging him down, preventing him from reaching his full potential.

noun a person who is addicted to narcotics, which are drugs that relieve pain and induce sleep

• The rehabilitation center offers programs to help narcotics addicts overcome their addiction.
• I heard that John's cousin is a narcotics addict and is struggling to get clean.
• Stay away from that guy, he's a hardcore narcotics addict.
• Being a narcotics addict is like being trapped in a never-ending cycle of destruction.

verb to relapse into a previous behavior or condition, especially criminal behavior

• The rehabilitation program aims to reduce the likelihood of individuals recidivating after their release from prison.
• They're worried that he might recidivate and end up back in jail.
• If you keep hanging out with those troublemakers, you're gonna recidivate for sure.
• His tendency to recidivate in unhealthy habits is hindering his personal growth.

noun A newspaper columnist or writer who specializes in sentimental, emotional, or melodramatic stories, often focusing on human interest or personal tragedies.

• The journalist was often referred to as a sob sister because of her emotional writing style.
• Don't be such a sob sister, toughen up and deal with the situation.
• She's always playing the sob sister card to get sympathy from others.
• The character in the movie was portrayed as a sob sister, always seeking attention through tears.

verb to cause someone to experience severe emotional distress or shock

• The car accident traumatized the passengers.
• She was traumatized after watching that horror movie.
• That breakup really traumatized him.
• The loss of her job traumatized her emotionally.

noun a medical condition characterized by a problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress

• Substance use disorder is a clinical term used to describe a pattern of harmful use of substances such as drugs or alcohol.
• Having a substance use disorder means struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol.
• Dealing with substance use disorder is tough, but there are resources to help.
• Substance use disorder can feel like being trapped in a cycle of dependence and cravings.

noun an individual who has been legally taken into another family as a child

• The adoptee was thrilled to finally meet their biological parents.
• The adoptee couldn't believe they had siblings they never knew about!
• The adoptee was stoked to find out they were related to a famous celebrity.
• The adoptee felt like a puzzle piece that finally found its place in the family.