ADDICTION GLOSSARY

Addiction

A chronic disorder that includes craving for drugs or alcohol and a compulsion to use them; inability to control substance use; and sustained use in spite of negative consequences. Other symptoms can include tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, and withdrawal.

Alcoholism/Alcohol Dependence

An addiction to the consumption of alcoholic beverages leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following conditions in a twelve-month period: tolerance; withdrawal symptoms; impaired control over drinking preoccupation with alcohol; less time spent on important social activities and with family; and use of alcohol despite adverse physical or psychological consequences.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A short-term, focused approach to helping people with substance use disorders to stay abstinent. Very simply, CBT attempts to help patients recognize situations when they are most likely to use drugs or alcohol, avoid these situations when appropriate, and cope more effectively with a range of problems and problematic behaviors associated with substance abuse.

Co-occurring Disorders

A condition where a person has both a substance use disorder and a psychiatric disorder at the same time.

Between 30 and 60 percent of adults with drug or alcohol addiction have a concurrent mental health diagnosis, and 40 to 6o percent of adolescents and young adults in drug and alcohol treatment programs also need attention for psychiatric problems.

Depressants

Drugs include barbiturates (amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital), benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax), chloral hydrate, and paraldehyde. The most commonly used, by far, is alcohol. These substances produce a soothing sedative and anxiety-reducing effect and can lead to dependence.

Dopamine

A brain chemical, classified as a neurotransmitter, found in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and pleasure.

Hallucinogens

A diverse group of drugs that alter perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. They include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin("mushrooms"), and phencyclidine (PCP).

Inpatient Treatment

A treatment program in which people stay overnight at a hospital or treatment facility, for a few days to several months, to participate in rehabilitation and recovery.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical produced by neurons to carry messages to other neurons.

Opiates

Powerful drugs derived from the poppy plant. These include heroin, opium, codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), Vicodin, and others.

Outpatient Treatment

Programs in which people live at home and attend treatment sessions during the day. Most programs provide individual counseling and/or a support-group session led by a professionally trained group leader.

Overdose

A drug dose that is large enough to be toxic.

Recovery

Changes in behavior and outlook made by the addict to abstain from drinking and drug use. Recovery is much more than simply abstaining from alcohol or drugs - it involves active, continually evolving behavioral changes.

Relapse

When referring to substance abuse, this term means that a person who has not been using any drugs or alcohol, and is committed to continuing this pattern, returns to excessive or problematic use of alcohol or drugs. A lapse or "slip" is when a person returns to use drug or alcohol after a period of abstinence that does not lead to full relapse.

Stimulants

A class of addictive drugs that speed up the body's central nervous and circulatory systems. These include amphetamines, cocaine, dextroamphetamine, methampheramine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Tolerance

A condition in which higher doses of a drug are required to produce the same effect as experienced Initially.

Twelve Steps

Programs designed to assist in the recovery from addict, especially a spiritually oriented program that requires individuals to surrender their self-reliance and adopt a practice of reliance on God or a higher power. The phrase is derived from the name for the twelve guiding concepts of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Withdrawal

Physical changes occurring when a person stops or suddenly decreases heavy use of alcohol or other sedative drug, or opioids. Withdrawal symptoms may include shaking, sweating, rapid pulse, and agitation. Hallucinations or convulsions may also occur with alcohol and other sedatives.