Health Library — Addiction Terms - Addiction Treatment Center in Indiana

A-Z Health Library

Our A-Z glossary provides a comprehensive collection of terms and definitions related to addiction, offering clear and concise explanations to help you understand the complexities of substance use disorders. Whether you are seeking information for yourself or a loved one, our Health Library is a valuable resource designed to educate and support you on your journey to recovery. Explore our glossary to gain insight into key concepts and terminology in the field of addiction treatment and recovery.

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12-Step Program

The 12-step program aims to support individuals in achieving abstinence from substance use disorders or making behavioral changes through peer support. This approach offers a supportive social network and promotes bonding among group members, enhancing its benefits. Typically, members run the groups without healthcare professionals’ involvement. (Read more)

A

Abstinence

Abstinence refers to the voluntary decision to refrain from engaging in certain behaviors, particularly those associated with addiction or harmful habits. This concept, rooted in the Latin word “abstinere” meaning “to hold oneself back,” involves consciously avoiding activities that may negatively impact one’s physical, mental, or emotional health. (Read more)

Addiction

Addiction is a chronic condition that can affect many aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health, relationships, and career. It manifests in two main forms: substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. While addiction is treatable, early intervention is crucial for recovery. (Read More)

Agitation

Agitation is characterized by intense restlessness or inner tension and can manifest in various forms. While brief and mild episodes are a normal part of life, frequent or severe agitation often indicates an underlying issue. If agitation significantly impacts your daily activities, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. (Read more)

Anxiety

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, individuals with anxiety disorders experience intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, these disorders involve recurrent episodes of sudden, overwhelming anxiety and fear, known as panic attacks, which can peak within minutes. (Read more)

B

Behavioral Addictions

People can develop addictions to a wide range of behaviors, such as shopping, playing video games, gambling, or using social media. Like drug or alcohol addictions, these behavioral addictions can be treated with behavioral therapy, self-help groups, and medication. (Read more)

C

Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual disorders or dual diagnoses, refer to the presence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder simultaneously. This term can also apply to other combinations of disorders, such as a mental disorder coupled with an intellectual disability. (Read more)

Cocaine (Crack)

Cocaine is an extremely addictive stimulant drug. Its use heightens the risk of severe and potentially fatal medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and overdose. Cocaine use disorder (addiction) can have detrimental effects on personal relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy may assist individuals in overcoming cocaine use disorder. (Read more)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to help individuals recognize and modify harmful or troubling thought patterns that negatively affect their behavior and emotions. (Read more)

Contingency Management

Contingency management (CM), also known as motivational incentives, is a behavioral therapy grounded in operant conditioning principles. It involves rewarding desirable behaviors with incentives. These incentives, such as vouchers for tangible goods (e.g., movie tickets or retail items) or entries into prize draws, are given to individuals in addiction treatment for achieving positive outcomes like clean drug tests or sustained sobriety. If the target behaviors are not met, the incentive is withheld. (Read more)

Craving

Craving is the intense desire an addict experiences for a substance or activity. This deep hunger and longing intensify when unfulfilled. Initially low, craving quickly escalates as the addict seeks to satisfy this overwhelming urge. Notably, cravings can heighten during attempts to quit, making them a significant factor in relapse. Even years after cessation, the sight of a trigger, like a bottle of vodka, can evoke strong cravings. (Read more)

Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine, marketed under brand names like Flexeril and Amrix, is a prescription medication similar to tricyclic antidepressants. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports it is frequently diverted and abused. (Read more)

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Denial

Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual fails to recognize or acknowledge objective facts or experiences. It is an unconscious process designed to shield the person from discomfort or anxiety. (Read more)

Dependence

Dependence is a condition characterized by physical symptoms of withdrawal and tolerance. Typically, dependence refers to a physical reliance on a substance. (Read more)

Depression

Depression can heighten the risk of chronic conditions, including substance abuse. (Read more)

Detoxification

Detoxification, or detox, is the process of eliminating drugs or alcohol from the body. Its primary aim is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms that arise when someone stops using these substances. (Read more)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). It’s based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but it’s specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. (Read more)

Dizziness

Dizziness is a frequent problem that can leave you feeling lightheaded and disoriented, often with a sensation of losing your balance. Various factors, including anxiety or medication side effects, can cause dizziness. (Read more)

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It acts as a “reward center” and influences memory, movement, motivation, mood, attention, and more. (Read more)

Downers

Downers, also known as depressants, are drugs that have a sedative effect, often producing a calming or relaxed feeling. While these drugs can be useful when prescribed and used correctly, they can be dangerous when abused or used outside their intended purpose. (Read more)

Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis, also known as a co-occurring disorder, occurs when someone is diagnosed with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. (Read more)

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Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that combines the effects of hallucinogens like LSD and stimulants such as amphetamines. It induces feelings of increased energy, pleasure, and empathy, along with mild sensory distortions and a sense of emotional openness and closeness with others. (Read more)

Enabling

Enabling involves indirectly supporting an addict’s substance abuse by assisting them in some way. The challenge lies in distinguishing between actions that are constructive and those that simply support the addict’s pursuit of their substance of choice. (Read more)

Euphoria

Euphoria is a mental and emotional state that induces extreme happiness, excitement, and self-confidence. These intense feelings of joy or well-being are much greater than what one would normally experience and can be disproportionate to the actual situation. (Read more)

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Family Therapy

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), family therapy, also known as family counseling, includes interventions that reflect family-level assessments, involvement, and approaches. (Read more)

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opioid pain reliever used in medical treatments. While healthcare professionals regard fentanyl as safe and effective when used in a controlled medical environment, the drug has a high potential for misuse, also known as abuse. (Read more)

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Gamma-hydroxybutric acid (GHB)

GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, is an illicit substance that impacts the central nervous system in various ways. It is used for its sedative, amnesic, or euphoric effects. (Read more)

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Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are substances that alter perception and mood, either naturally occurring or synthetically created. (Read more)

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies — including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion — to empower people who use drugs (and their families) with the choice to live healthy, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives. (Read more)

Heroin

Heroin is an illegal drug known for its euphoric effects but can lead to severe addiction and significant side effects. (Read more)

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic opioid commonly prescribed to manage moderate to moderately severe pain. (Read more)

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Inhalants

Inhalants are substances that produce vapors or aerosols and are inhaled for their psychoactive effects. These include solvents, aerosol sprays, nitrites, and gases, often found in everyday household and workplace items. (Read more)

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab, also known as residential rehab, is a comprehensive and intensive form of addiction treatment where individuals reside in a specialized facility for a predetermined period. (Read more)

Intervention

An intervention is a structured meeting designed to help a person with a substance use disorder (SUD) recognize that their substance use is harmful to themselves and others. (Read more)

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Lapse

A lapse, often referred to as a “slip,” occurs when an individual in recovery briefly resumes using alcohol or drugs but stops again within a short time frame. (Read more)

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Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, grass, herb, ganja, bud, and Mary Jane, comes in various forms and can be consumed in multiple ways. Some people inhale the smoke from dried flowers in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints, in pipes, water pipes (bongs), or in blunts (marijuana rolled in cigar wrappers). (Read more)

Meth

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Chemically related to other amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, methamphetamine (marketed as Desoxyn) is used medically to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and sometimes for short-term weight loss or obesity management. (Read more)

Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in individuals addicted to heroin or other narcotics. It is also utilized as a pain reliever. When used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), methadone helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without inducing the euphoria associated with addiction. (Read more)

Mindfulness meditation

A mental training practice that helps slow down racing thoughts, release negativity, and calm the mind and body. It combines meditation with mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully present in the moment, acknowledging and accepting thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. (Read more)

Morphine

Morphine is a powerful prescription opioid primarily used to treat severe pain. It is available in generic form as morphine sulfate, and under brand names like Duramorph PF and MS Contin. While it effectively manages pain, morphine can also be misused for its pleasurable effects, such as a sense of relaxation and euphoria. (Read more)

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Naloxone

Naloxone hydrochloride, marketed under brand names such as Prenoxad and Nyxoid, is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioid drugs, like heroin and oxycodone, from binding to opioid receptors in the brain. (Read more)

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a prescription medication utilized for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). It helps reduce cravings and manage physiological dependence. (Read more)

Narcotics

Narcotics are drugs that provide pain relief (analgesia), induce a state of stupor or sleep (narcosis), and can lead to addiction (physical dependence). For some individuals, narcotics also produce euphoria—a feeling of intense joy. (Read more)

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body, responsible for transmitting signals from nerve cells to target cells. These signals help regulate various bodily functions, from heart rate to appetite. (Read more)

Nicotine

Nicotine is an addictive organic compound present in tobacco plants. It is the substance that makes quitting smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping particularly challenging. (Read more)

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Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Prescription opioids are powerful pain relievers but can be highly addictive, contributing significantly to drug overdose deaths. This includes not only prescription opioids but also illicit and illegally manufactured ones. (Read more)

Opioids

Opioids, sometimes referred to as narcotics, are a class of drugs prescribed by healthcare providers to manage moderate to severe pain. They are also occasionally used for chronic cough and diarrhea. Due to their high potential for addiction, it’s crucial to discuss the risks and benefits with your provider before using them. (Read more)

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehabilitation refers to addiction treatment for drugs and alcohol conducted in an outpatient setting. It can be beneficial for individuals attempting to overcome mild addiction or transitioning from inpatient treatment to long-term recovery maintenance. Substance misuse issues identified in the early stages can often be effectively addressed through an outpatient rehab program. (Read more)

Overdose

An overdose occurs when someone consumes more than the safe or typical amount of a substance, such as a prescription medication or illicit drug, either accidentally or intentionally. Accidental overdoses can happen when a prescribed dose is too strong for the body, while intentional overdoses are often associated with suicidal behavior. (Read more)

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a Schedule II opioid analgesic commonly prescribed as a pain reliever. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms for oral administration. (Read more)

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Painkillers

Painkillers are medications designed to alleviate pain. There are three primary types of painkillers: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, and opioids. Each type works differently to relieve pain. Most people only need painkillers for a short period, typically a few days or weeks, though some may require longer-term use. (Read more)

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also known as day treatment, is a highly structured form of outpatient rehabilitation that enables patients to remain at home rather than residing in an inpatient treatment facility. (Read more)

Personality Disorders

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), defines personality disorders as conditions characterized by significant impairments in self and interpersonal functioning, alongside enduring personality traits that persist over time. (Read more)

Physical Dependence

Physical dependence involves changes in body function. If someone is physically dependent on a drug, their body can only function normally when the substance is present. (Read more)

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various mental health conditions. They primarily use medication to alleviate symptoms but may also employ different forms of psychotherapy. Some psychiatrists focus on specific areas, such as addiction or forensic psychiatry. (Read more)

Psychological Dependence

Psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol refers to the emotional, motivational, and mental aspects of addiction. This form of dependence is prevalent in substances like marijuana and hallucinogens, which typically have a lower physical dependency component. (Read more)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, involves techniques designed to help individuals modify behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that lead to problems or distress. It is a broad term that encompasses the treatment of psychological disorders and mental distress through verbal and psychological methods. (Read more)

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Recovery

Recovery from addiction embodies an ongoing journey of education, evolution, and restoration. (Read more)

Recreational Drug Use

Recreational drug use involves consuming substances like alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or illicit drugs primarily for enjoyment, experimentation, or to experience a temporary “high.” This behavior is prevalent among millions of Americans, often beginning during the teenage years before high school graduation. For many young people, drug use starts as a way to have fun, explore, and fit in with peers. (Read more)

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation, a term dating back to the 15th century, is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment.” This comprehensive process aims to enhance independence in daily activities and facilitate participation in education, work, recreation, and other meaningful roles. (Read more)

Relapse

Relapse is the return to alcohol or drug use after a period of sobriety. It is common to experience relapse one or more times during recovery. This does not mean that addiction treatment was ineffective or that the individual has regressed entirely in their sobriety. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, making a return to substance use a potential part of the recovery journey. (Read more)

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Sedatives

Sedatives are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and insomnia. However, their potential for overdose and addiction can vary significantly depending on the specific sedative used. This guide will provide insights into sedatives, the risk of addiction, and treatment options for sedative use disorder—the clinical term for sedative addiction. (Read more)

Self-Medication

Self-medication involves the use of substances like drugs, supplements, or home remedies to treat symptoms of medical or mental health issues without consulting a healthcare professional. When individuals face physical or mental health challenges, they may resort to self-medicating to alleviate their symptoms. (Read more)

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a group-based, volunteer-led recovery model that provides support meetings, skills training, and scientifically based treatments to help individuals overcome addiction. Founded in 1994, SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a nationwide, nonprofit organization that serves as a secular alternative to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) groups. (Read more)

Sobriety

Sobriety refers to the state of being sober, free from the influence of drugs or alcohol. Achieving sobriety involves eliminating all traces of these substances from your system, and returning to the natural state we are born into. (Read more)

Stigma

Stigma is defined as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” Often, stigma surrounds behaviors and actions viewed as different or outside societal norms. (Read more)

Suboxone

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is an oral film prescribed to treat opioid dependence. It helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms during and after the process of stopping opioids. (Read more)

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by a problematic pattern of substance use, ranging from mild to severe (addiction). SUD is treatable, and it’s critical to seek help promptly if someone or a family member might be developing it. (Read more)

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Therapist

A therapist is a broad designation that refers to professionals trained to provide treatment and rehabilitation. While often associated with psychologists, the term can encompass a variety of service providers, including social workers, counselors, life coaches, and others.

Although “therapist” is not a protected occupational title, many types of therapists require licensure to practice, such as occupational therapists and marriage and family therapists. (Read more)

Tolerance

The terms “tolerance,” “dependence,” and “addiction” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct definitions and implications.

Tolerance occurs when your body becomes accustomed to a medication through regular exposure. As a result, the medication at its current dose no longer produces the same effect it once did. This necessitates adjustments by your doctor, such as increasing the dose, altering the regimen, or switching to a different medication. (Read more)

Triggers

Triggers are internal and external cues that cause individuals in recovery to crave drugs, potentially leading to relapse. Patients need to understand the nature of these triggers before beginning proper treatment. Learning how to cope with triggers and thoughts of substance use can significantly aid in the successful reintegration into society. (Read more)

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Withdrawal

Withdrawal is the combination of physical and mental symptoms a person experiences after they stop using or reduce their intake of a substance such as alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs. If you’ve been using a substance with a high potential for dependency and you stop suddenly or cut down drastically, you might experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. The intensity and duration can vary widely, depending on the type of drug and your biological makeup. (Read more)

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Xanax

Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is the most prescribed benzodiazepine in the United States. Unfortunately, it is also often misused, which puts people at greater risk of dangerous side effects. (Read more)

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