Navigating addiction treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when confronted with unfamiliar terminology. At Healthy Life Recovery, we believe that understanding the language of recovery is an essential step toward healing. This comprehensive glossary provides clear definitions of common terms used in addiction treatment to help you or your loved one feel more confident and informed on the journey to sobriety.
A
Abstinence
The practice of refraining from using addictive substances or engaging in addictive behaviors. This is the foundation of most addiction treatment programs.
Active Recovery
A treatment approach that incorporates physical activities and hobbies to promote healing. At Healthy Life Recovery, we offer various Active Recovery Tracks including surfing, yoga, mixed martial arts, and music production.
Acute Withdrawal
The initial phase of withdrawal symptoms that occurs shortly after stopping substance use, typically lasting 5-7 days for alcohol and varying for other substances.
Addiction
A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. It involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. For more information, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Learn more about our addiction treatment services.
Aftercare
Ongoing support and treatment provided after completion of a formal rehabilitation program to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
ASAM Criteria
A comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay, and transfer/discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions, developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
B
Benzodiazepines
A class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They may also be used during detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms, particularly for alcohol withdrawal. Learn more about Xanax addiction treatment.
Blackout
A period of temporary memory loss that occurs during heavy drinking or drug use, where the person may function normally but later has no recollection of events.
Brainspotting Therapy
A therapeutic approach that identifies and processes traumatic experiences through visual field positions (brain spots) that correlate with specific neurological responses. This therapy is often used to address trauma underlying addiction. Learn more about our Brainspotting Therapy services.
C
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
A form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use. Learn more about our CBT services.
Co-occurring Disorders
The presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Also known as dual diagnosis. Our dual diagnosis program addresses both conditions simultaneously.
Craving
An intense desire or urge to use substances, often triggered by environmental cues, stress, or emotions associated with past use.
Cross-Addiction
The tendency to transfer addiction from one substance or behavior to another, such as shifting from alcohol to nicotine or gambling.
Cross-Tolerance
A condition where tolerance to one substance results in tolerance to another substance, typically within the same drug class.
D
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
A modified form of CBT that emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Learn more about our DBT services.
Delirium Tremens (DTs)
A severe form of alcohol withdrawal that includes confusion, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, and potentially life-threatening seizures. It typically occurs 48-72 hours after the last drink. The National Library of Medicine provides detailed medical information about DTs.
Detoxification (Detox)
The process of allowing the body to remove the toxins accumulated through substance use. Medical detox provides supervision and medication to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Learn about our Drug & Alcohol Detox services.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Many addictive substances cause artificial dopamine releases or prevent reuptake, leading to pleasurable sensations. The National Institute of Mental Health offers additional information about neurotransmitters and brain function.
Dual Diagnosis
See Co-occurring Disorders. Our Dual Diagnosis program addresses both addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously.
E
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
A psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories, often used in addiction treatment to address underlying trauma. Learn more about our EMDR Therapy services.
Enabling
Behaviors that inadvertently encourage or support addiction, such as making excuses, providing financial support, or shielding someone from the consequences of their addiction.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Therapeutic approaches that have been scientifically tested and proven effective in treating addiction, such as CBT, DBT, and medication-assisted treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides extensive resources on evidence-based practices.
F
Four Pillars of Recovery
At Healthy Life Recovery, we base our approach on Four Pillars: Education, Exercise and Wellness, Nutrition, and Recovery Community.
G
GeneSight Testing
A genetic test that analyzes how your body metabolizes medications to help determine which treatments may work best for you. Learn more about our GeneSight Testing services.
H
Harm Reduction
Strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences of substance use, such as needle exchange programs, safer use education, and overdose prevention. Learn more from the CDC’s harm reduction resources.
Holistic Treatment
An approach to addiction recovery that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just focusing on substance use. Learn about our Holistic Addiction Treatment approach.
I
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
A treatment program that allows individuals to live at home while receiving intensive therapy several days per week. Our Evening Outpatient Program is designed to accommodate work and school schedules.
Intervention
A structured conversation where loved ones confront an individual about their addiction and encourage them to seek treatment, often guided by a professional interventionist. Learn more about interventions and crisis support.
K
Ketamine Therapy
An innovative treatment approach using ketamine to address treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions that may co-occur with addiction. Learn more about Ketamine Therapy options.
M
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
The use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treating substance use disorders. SAMHSA provides comprehensive information about medication-assisted treatment. Our Medication-Assisted Treatment programs utilize evidence-based medications to support recovery.
Mindfulness
The practice of maintaining awareness of the present moment without judgment, often used as a coping strategy in recovery to manage cravings and emotional triggers.
N
Neuroplasticity
The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Recovery leverages neuroplasticity to help the brain heal from addiction. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides more information about brain plasticity and recovery.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals from one neuron to another. Many substances of abuse disrupt the normal functioning of neurotransmitters.
O
Outpatient Treatment
A level of care that allows individuals to receive treatment while living at home and maintaining their daily responsibilities. Our Outpatient Rehab programs offer flexibility without compromising quality care. We also offer specialized programs for executive clients.
P
PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)
A set of symptoms that occur after the acute withdrawal phase, potentially lasting for weeks or months. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides research on post-acute withdrawal.
Physical Dependence
A state that develops when the body adapts to a substance and requires it to function normally. When the substance is removed, withdrawal symptoms occur.
Psychological Dependence
The emotional or mental component of addiction, characterized by cravings and the belief that the substance is needed to function.
Q
qEEG Brain Mapping
A diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the brain to identify areas affected by addiction and guide personalized treatment. Learn about our qEEG Brain Mapping services.
R
Recovery
A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential while abstaining from addictive substances or behaviors. SAMHSA defines recovery through their 4 Dimensions of Recovery.
Relapse
The return to substance use after a period of abstinence. Relapse is often considered a normal part of the recovery process rather than a failure.
Relapse Prevention
Strategies and skills taught in treatment to help individuals identify triggers, manage cravings, and develop coping mechanisms to avoid returning to substance use.
S
Sober Living
Residences that provide a structured, substance-free environment for individuals in recovery. Our Sober Living partners offer supportive housing options in San Diego.
Sponsor
In 12-step programs, an individual with substantial sobriety who guides a newer member through the recovery process and offers support.
Stigma
Negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors directed toward individuals with substance use disorders, which can create barriers to seeking treatment. The Surgeon General’s Report on Addiction addresses stigma as a major barrier to treatment.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
The clinical term for addiction to drugs or alcohol, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
T
Tolerance
A state that occurs when the body adapts to a substance, requiring increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect.
Trauma-Informed Care
An approach to treatment that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates an understanding of trauma into all aspects of service delivery. SAMHSA provides detailed guidance on trauma-informed care principles.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy
A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. Learn about our TMS Therapy services.
Trigger
Any stimulus (person, place, thing, emotion, or situation) that provokes a craving for substances or increases the risk of relapse.
W
Withdrawal
The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person dependent on a substance reduces or stops their use. Withdrawal symptoms vary by substance and can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
Seeking Help for Addiction
Understanding these terms is just the beginning of the recovery journey. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, Healthy Life Recovery offers comprehensive, personalized treatment programs to address addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Our San Diego rehab center provides a full continuum of care, from medically supervised detox to outpatient treatment and ongoing support.
We combine evidence-based therapies with innovative approaches including mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders. Our specialized services include treatment for the LGBTQ+ community and couples rehab programs.
Don’t face addiction alone. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the treatment process. Contact us today at (844) 252-8347 to begin your journey to recovery.
This glossary is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment of addiction and related conditions.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York. Dr. Thankachen is currently working with Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists in an outpatient practice, as well as working at multiple in-patient psychiatric and medical units bringing his patients the most advanced healthcare treatment in psychiatry. Dr. Thankachen sees patients with an array of disorders, including depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and dementia-related problems.
Edited for Clinical Accuracy By:
Sean Leonard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sean Leonard is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his master’s degree in adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Walden University and a second postmaster specialty in psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner from Rocky Mountain University. Sean has experience working in various diverse settings, including an outpatient clinic, inpatient detox and rehab, psychiatric emergency, and dual diagnosis programs. His specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.