Resources

GLOSSARY

 

Denial

The thought process in which a person does not believe he or she has a problem, despite strong evidence to the contrary. It is a way of protecting oneself from painful thoughts or feelings.

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Detoxification (or “detox”)

A process that helps the body rid itself of substances while the symptoms of withdrawal are treated. It is often a first step in a substance abuse treatment program.

 

Followup care

Also called continuing care. Treatment that is prescribed after completion of inpatient or outpatient treatment. It can be participation in individual or group counseling, regular contact with a counselor, or other activities designed to help people stay in recovery.

 

Recovery Residence 

A place to live for people recovering from substance use disorders. Usually several people in recovery live together with limited or no supervision by a counselor.

 

Inpatient treatment

Treatment in a setting that is connected to a hospital or a hospital-type setting where a person stays for a few days or weeks.

 

Outpatient treatment

Treatment provided at a facility. The services vary but do not include overnight accommodation. Sometimes it is prescribed after inpatient treatment.

 

Relapse

A recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement; that is, a person in recovery drinks or uses drugs again after a period of abstinence.

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Relapse prevention

Any strategy or activity that helps keep a person in recovery from drinking alcohol or using drugs again. It may include developing new coping responses; changing beliefs and expectations; and changing personal habits, lifestyles, and schedules.

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Residential treatment

Treatment in a setting in which both staff and peers can help with treatment. It provides more structure and more intensive services than outpatient treatment. Participants live in the treatment facility. Residential treatment is long term, typically lasting from 1 month to more than 1 year.

 

Self-help/12-Step groups

Support groups consisting of people in recovery that offer a safe place where recovering people share their experiences, strengths, and hopes. AA’s 12 Steps help the members recover from addiction, addictive behavior, and emotional suffering. These groups are free and are not supported by any particular treatment program.

 

Treatment plan

A plan that provides a blueprint for treatment. It describes the problems being addressed, the treatment’s goals, and the specific steps that both the treatment professionals and the person in treatment will take.

 

Treatment team

A team of professionals (e.g., clinical supervisor, counselor, therapist, and physician) responsible for treating a person and helping his or her family.

 

Trigger

Any event, place, thing, smell, idea, emotion, or person that sets off a craving to drink alcohol or use drugs.