A
- Abstinence
Nonuse of a substance of abuse. Also, the cessation of an addictive behavior.
- Abuse
Harmful use of a psychoactive substance.
- Addiction
A chronic neurobiologic disease that includes genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors. It is characterized by impaired control over drug use or behavior, compulsive use despite harm, and craving.
- Al-Anon
Al-Anon is a long-standing self-help organization for family members and friends of people who have alcohol and drug use problems. Al-Anon is based on the steps and principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- Alateen
Alateen is part of Al-Anon, which helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Alateen is our recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members.
- Alcoholics Anonymous
“A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking”
- Alcoholism
In common and historic usage, alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes.
- Alocholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
- Ambulatory detoxification
Medically monitored cessation of drug use that does not require admission to an inpatient managed setting.
B
- Blackout
An acute anteriograde amnesia when there is a period of memory loss without recall of activities.
C
- Cross-tolerance
Tolerance following repeated use of one psychoactive substance that is seen following the exposure to another substance to which the individual was not exposed.
- Cross-tolerance
Tolerance produced by exposure to a psychoactive substance that is seen with exposure to another substance.
- Cross-tolerance
Tolerance produced by exposure to a psychoactive substance that is seen with exposure to another substance.
D
- Decriminalization
Removal of criminal penalties for the use or possession of illegal psychoactive substances.
- Detoxification
A process off supervised withdrawal from psychoactive substance.
H
- Harm reduction
Policies and programs designed to reduce the adverse health, social, legal and economic consequences of drug use.
- Harmful alcohol use
A pattern of drinking that has already caused damage to health. There may be damage to physical health such as liver disease or to mental health such as depression or the generation of adverse social consequences.
- Hazardous alcohol use
A pattern of alcohol consumption that carries a potential risk of harmful consequences to the drinker. This may include damage to physical or mental health and adverse social consequences to the drinker and to others.
L
- Legalization
Removal of legal restrictions on the production, distribution and possession or use of a psychoactive substance.
M
P
- Physical dependence
A state of neurobiological adaptation that produces a withdrawal syndrome following dose reduction or cessation or administration of an antagonist of a drug.
- Problem drinking
A pattern of drinking associated with problems that do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of alcoholism.
R
T
- Tolerance
A state of neurobiological adaption following drug exposure where a repeat exposure is manifest by a diminution of the drug’s effects.