Language is a powerful means of social control, an idea that resonates deeply with court rhetoric as it relates to race.  This Note examines the language courts use when discussing cases related to drug use and addiction.  During the crack epidemic, when Black individuals represented the race of the primary drug user and drug dealer, courts relied on racially coded language related to crime and fear.  Alternatively, during the opioid epidemic, when White individuals represented the race of the primary drug user, courts relied on more neutral language related to the health and well-being of society.  Finally, the language courts recently used in decisions broadly related to drug use and addiction evinces similar patterns as seen in the decisions issued during the crack epidemic.  This Note therefore proposes a solution grounded in racial realism and interest convergence to ensure that subsequent court decisions pertaining to addiction will have a less deleterious effect on Black individuals.