Response to the article by Tiako et al, “Recidivism is the Leading Cause of Death Among Intravenous Drug Users Who Underwent Cardiac Surgery for Infective Endocarditis."

In response to the recently published article by Tiako et al, “Recidivism is the Leading Cause of Death Among Intravenous Drug Users Who Underwent Cardiac Surgery for Infective Endocarditis,” we strongly oppose the use of the word “recidivism” to characterize the population of patients who continue to use intravenous drugs after valve surgery for endoc arditis. This term, which suggests a criminal re-offense, perpetuates the mischaracterization of people who use intravenous drugs as criminals. We encourage de-stigmatization of this population through the use of terms that acknowledge that addiction is a chronic disease and a treatable medical cond ition rather than a moral failing.

Source: Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - June 6, 2019 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Amber Moore, Margaret Hayden Tags: ADULT – Letter to the Editor Source Type: research