Terms 1
The body's adaptation to a substance or behavior, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effect.
Tolerance
The co-occurrence of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder in an individual, often requiring integrated treatment.
Dual diagnosis
A structured program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that provides guidance and support for individuals recovering from addiction.
12-step program
A set of strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the negative consequences of addictive behaviors or substance use when complete abstinence is not achievable.
Harm reduction
Strategies and techniques that individuals develop to deal with triggers, stress, and challenges without resorting to addictive behaviors or substances.
Coping skills
The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops or reduces their use of a substance or behavior to which they are addicted.
Withdrawal
The excessive and harmful use of drugs or alcohol, leading to negative consequences on physical and mental health, relationships, and overall functioning.
Substance abuse
A person who has achieved long-term recovery and volunteers to support and guide someone in early recovery through a 12-step program.
Sponsor
Support and guidance provided by individuals who have shared experiences with addiction, often through recovery communities or peer-led programs.
Peer support
A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, often implicated in the brain's reward pathway and addiction.
Dopamine
A return to addictive behavior after a period of abstinence or successful recovery.
Relapse
The presence of two or more mental health disorders or conditions, such as addiction and depression, occurring simultaneously in an individual.
Co-occurring disorders
A planned and structured process where loved ones confront an addicted individual to encourage them to seek help and treatment.
Intervention
A state of being free from the influence of addictive substances or behaviors, often associated with abstinence and recovery.
Sobriety
The theoretical framework that describes the different phases an individual goes through when making behavioral changes, including addiction recovery.
Stages of change
Intense and uncontrollable desires or urges to engage in addictive behaviors or consume substances.
Craving
The process of overcoming addiction, achieving and maintaining abstinence, and improving overall well-being and quality of life.
Recovery
The process of removing toxic substances from the body, often the initial step in addiction treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxification
A person, place, event, or emotion that prompts cravings or urges to engage in addictive behaviors or use substances.
Trigger
The increased likelihood of developing an addiction due to genetic factors, which can influence susceptibility to addictive behaviors and substances.
Genetic predisposition
Behavior that supports or allows an addicted individual to continue their addictive patterns by minimizing consequences or facilitating access to the substance or behavior.
Enabling
A gathering of individuals with similar addiction challenges who come together to provide mutual support, share experiences, and offer encouragement in recovery.
Support group
Complete avoidance of the addictive substance or behavior, a common goal in addiction recovery.
Abstinence
The internal and external resources that support an individual's recovery journey, including personal motivation, social support, and access to treatment and resources.
Recovery capital
Addiction to non-substance-related behaviors, such as gambling, shopping, or eating, characterized by compulsive engagement despite negative consequences.
Process addiction