Acronyms and Initialisms
A 12-step program
AA, NA, CA, GA, etc.
Used to combat an opioid overdose
Narcan/Naloxone
Famous rapper, famously sober, has albums called Relapse and Recovery
Eminem
The process by which the body rids itself of drugs/alcohol
Detox
Deep breathing, journaling, urge surfing, etc.
3 hours, 3 times a week, for 6 to 8 weeks
IOP
Medication that binds and blocks opioid receptors in the brain, it suppresses cravings
Vivitrol/Revia/Naltrexone
Famous musician, famously sober, famous for his skills on the piano, his life is dramatized in the movie Rocketman
Sir Elton Hercules John
This category of drug is characterized by the following: anxiety, paranoia, jitteriness, sweating, shortness of breath, and palpitations
Stimulants
A trigger
People, places, things, etc.
Disorder that is commonly self-medicated, characterized by struggling with paying attention to something for a prolonged period of time, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
ADHD
Medication that causes significant, unpleasant, side effects when alcohol is used
A neutral third party who is trained to provide a safe place to explore personal, social, or psychological problems
This category of drug is characterized by the following: slowed reaction time, slowed breathing, impaired judgement, reduced inhibitions, lack of coordination, and dizziness.
Depressants
Limits or guidelines that define what is acceptable, safe, and reasonable within a relationship
Boundaries
Common triggers that may lead to continued use, beneficial to be aware of and evaluate when experiencing a craving.
HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) or HALIBUT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Isolation, Bored, Unworthiness, Tired)
Synthetic opioid that is commonly prescribed to assist with opioid treatment, commonly helps treat/reduce withdrawal symptoms
Can prescribe/help manage medication, is not a doctor
Nurse Practicioner
These carry signals from one neuron to another within the brain, drugs commonly affect the creation of these
Neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, etc.)
To suffer deterioration after a period of improvement
A lapse/relapse
Using medication in conjunction with counseling and other behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
A combination of two other medications (naloxone and buprenorphine), commonly used to treat opioid addiction
Suboxone
The founders of AA
Bill W. and Dr. Bob (Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith)
The last part of the brain to develop, it is responsible for planning, reasoning, and decision making
Prefrontal cortex
Co-occuring or comorbid disorders, dual diagnosis