Addiction & Recovery Glossary

Plain-language definitions of key terms used in addiction medicine, treatment, and recovery. Written for patients, families, and anyone seeking to understand substance use disorders.

A

Abstinence

Complete avoidance of all substances or a specific substance. Some recovery programs require abstinence, while others support harm reduction.

Addiction

A chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. Clinically referred to as substance use disorder (SUD).

Aftercare

Ongoing support and treatment following primary addiction treatment. Includes outpatient therapy, support groups, sober living, and continuing care plans.

B

Buprenorphine

A partial opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Sold under brand names Suboxone and Sublocade.

C

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

An evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use.

Co-Occurring Disorders

When a person has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition (such as depression or anxiety) at the same time. Also called dual diagnosis.

Craving

An intense urge or desire to use a substance. Cravings are a normal part of recovery and can be managed with coping strategies and medication.

D

Dependence

A physical state where the body has adapted to a substance and withdrawal symptoms occur when use is stopped. Dependence is distinct from addiction.

Detox (Detoxification)

The medical process of safely managing withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using a substance. Medical detox provides supervision and, when needed, medication.

DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. The standard classification used by mental health professionals to diagnose substance use disorders.

E

E-E-A-T

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness — Google's framework for evaluating the quality of web content, especially important for health-related (YMYL) topics.

F

Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States.

H

Harm Reduction

Strategies and practices designed to reduce the negative consequences of substance use without necessarily requiring abstinence. Examples include naloxone distribution and fentanyl test strips.

I

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Residential treatment where patients live at the facility for 28 to 90 days. Provides 24/7 medical supervision, therapy, and structured programming.

IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)

A treatment program that allows patients to live at home while attending structured therapy sessions 3 to 5 days per week, typically 3 to 4 hours per session.

M

MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)

The use of FDA-approved medications (buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone) combined with behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. Considered the gold standard for opioid addiction treatment.

Methadone

A long-acting opioid agonist medication used in MAT for opioid use disorder. Dispensed through licensed clinics and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

N

Naloxone (Narcan)

An opioid antagonist medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Available as a nasal spray or injection. Now available over the counter in the United States.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings. Available as a daily pill or monthly injection (Vivitrol). Requires full detox before starting.

O

Opioid

A class of drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the brain, including prescription painkillers (oxycodone, hydrocodone), heroin, and synthetic opioids (fentanyl).

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Treatment that allows patients to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions. Less intensive than inpatient but more flexible for maintaining work and family responsibilities.

P

PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)

A set of symptoms that can persist for weeks to months after acute withdrawal, including mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cravings.

R

Recovery

An ongoing process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.

Relapse

A return to substance use after a period of abstinence. Relapse is a common part of the recovery process and does not mean treatment has failed.

S

SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — a federal agency that leads public health efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities.

Sober Living

Structured, substance-free housing for individuals in early recovery. Provides peer support, accountability, and a transitional environment between treatment and independent living.

SUD (Substance Use Disorder)

The clinical term for addiction, defined by the DSM-5 as a pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress. Classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

T

Tolerance

A condition where increasingly larger doses of a substance are needed to achieve the same effect. Tolerance is a hallmark of physical dependence.

W

Withdrawal

The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person who is dependent on a substance reduces or stops use. Symptoms vary by substance and can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

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12-Step Program

A peer-support recovery model originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Follows twelve guiding principles for achieving and maintaining sobriety, with programs including NA, CA, and others.