Addiction Terms in Plain English
Use this short glossary during an appointment or while comparing treatment. If someone uses an unfamiliar term, ask what it means for your care and what happens next.
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Words About Substance Use
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Addiction | Compulsive substance use that continues despite harmful consequences. |
| Physical dependence | The body adapts to a substance; reducing or stopping it can produce withdrawal. This can occur with prescribed use. |
| Tolerance | A particular effect becomes weaker at the same dose over time. |
| Withdrawal | Physical or psychological symptoms that can follow reducing or stopping a substance after the body has adapted. |
Sources: [1]
Words About Treatment
| Term | What to expect or ask |
|---|---|
| Assessment | A clinician gathers information about your substance use, health and circumstances to help plan care. Ask who does it and how you participate. |
| Outpatient | You attend appointments and leave the same day. Visits can include counseling or medication care. |
| Intensive outpatient (IOP) | More intensive than routine office visits, with structured sessions while you live outside the program. |
| Partial hospitalization (PHP) | A more intensive outpatient day program that can be an alternative to inpatient psychiatric care. |
| Residential | You live at the treatment program. Ask which clinical and medical services are available on site and after hours. |
| Inpatient | Overnight treatment with around-the-clock care, often connected to a hospital or clinic. |
| Telehealth | Care provided remotely, such as by video or phone. Ask which visits require an in-person appointment. |
Words Used When Choosing a Program
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| License | Permission from the relevant state authority to provide specified services. Requirements vary. |
| Accreditation | Review against an accrediting organization’s standards. Check the exact program and location; it is separate from licensing. |
| Evidence-based treatment | A treatment supported by research. Ask which approach the provider means and how it fits your situation. |
A Term to Clarify
- Word or phrase, and where you heard it
- Write the sentence around it if that would help.
- Explanation in your own words
- What it means for you; what still needs clarifying.