Vocab
Needing much more than you once did to get the desired effect from alcohol, or not experiencing the same effect when drinking the same amount of alcohol
Tolerance
Often indicates a recurrence of substance use. More technically, it would indicate the recurrence and reinstatement of a substance use disorder and would require an individual to be in remission prior to the occurrence
Relapse
Slang term for the abrupt and complete cessation in intake of an addictive substance. It stems from the appearance of goosebumps on the skin often observable in addicted individuals when physiologically withdrawing from a substance.
Cold Turkey
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Medications directly obtainable in a pharmacy by a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Over the Counter
Thinking about wanting a drink, or having the urge to use alcohol
Craving
A non-technical term, also referred to as a “slip”. It implies a short-term resumption of substance use or heavy/hazardous use (e.g., for a night or a day) that is followed by a return to the original goal of moderate use or abstinence.
Lapse
The specific efforts, both behavioral & psychological, utilized to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize the effects of stressful events
Coping Skills
Unwanted physical or mental effect caused by a drug
Side Effects
The degree of concentration of the psychoactive ingredient of a substance.
Potency
Characterized as symptoms of (trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, a seizure, or sensing things that are not there [hallucinations])
Withdrawal
A supreme deity or being, a malleable conception of God, or a “power greater than ourselves,” popularized by the recovery mutual-help organization, Alcoholics Anonymous.
Higher Power
A state in which one is not intoxicated or affected by the use of alcohol or drugs.
Sober
A specific stimulus that sets off a memory or flashback, transporting the individual back to a feeling, experience, or event which may increase susceptibility to psychological or physical symptom recurrence and reinstatement of substance use disorder.
Trigger
An irreversible syndrome inherited by children exposed to alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy. This syndrome is characterized by physical and mental birth defects.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
A brain chemical, classified as a neurotransmitter, found in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and reinforcement of rewarding behavior. This release in reward areas of the brain is caused by all drugs to which people can become addicted.
Dopamine
Excessive alcohol consumption within a short time period.
Binge Drinking
An attribute, behavior, or condition that is socially discrediting. Known to decrease treatment seeking behaviors in individuals with substance use disorders.
Stigma
Treatment required through a drug court or as a condition of pretrial release, probation, or parole.
Mandated
The complete absence of symptoms or the presence of symptoms but below a specified threshold. An individual is considered to “in remission” if they once met criteria for a substance use disorder, but have not surpassed the threshold number of criteria within the past year or longer.
Remission
A state of psychological tension in which one is pulled in two different directions: to stay the same or to make changes.
AMBIVALENCE
The nickname for the basic foundational text of the mutual-help organization, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It outlines the 12 steps that are at the core of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, as well as containing personal stories of alcohol addiction and recovery.
The Big Book
A component of the marijuana plant without mind-altering effects that is being studied for possible medical uses.
CBD
Describes patients with both mental illness and substance use disorder. Personality disorder may also co-exist with psychiatric illness and/or substance use disorders. Also known as comorbidity or co-occuring
Dual Diagnosis
A volunteer who is currently practicing the 12-step program of recovery espoused by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step mutual-help organizations (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous) and who helps newer AA members by providing support, encouragement, & guidance to promote sustained long-term recovery.
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