Abstinence

Not using or refraining from using a drug at all times and under all circumstances, with the intention of not using it in the future.

Addiction

Physical or psychological dependence on a behaviour or drug. The word addiction can be problematic as it implies that a person is unable to control their life or change drug taking behaviour.

Alcohol

A liquid produced by fermentation which is the action of yeast on liquids containing sugars and starches producing a depressant drug that slows down activity in the central nervous system.

Alcoholism

From the disease model of drug addiction, a clinical condition characterised by heavy alcohol consumption and continued drinking, despite severe negative social and physical consequences.

AOD

Abbreviated term for alcohol or other drug.

BAC

(Blood Alcohol Content)

Measure of the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood.

Binge drinking

Intoxication through rapid consumption of alcohol over a short period of time.  There are two forms of binge drinking:

1.       Consumption of five or more drinks in one drinking session.

2.       Heavy and continuous drinking over a number of days or weeks.

Dependency

There are many things in our lifestyle that we can become dependent on to feel OK, not just alcohol or other drugs. A person is considered to have a dependency (also commonly referred to as addiction) when there is a strong need to use a chemical or perform a particular behaviour to feel "normal". For more information about dependency click here.

Detox (Detoxification)

The process by which a person who is dependent on a psychoactive substance ceases use in a way that minimises the symptoms of withdrawal and risk of harm. This can involve the administration of medication.

Disease model of drug addiction

From the western medical model which views addiction to drugs as a ‘disease’ which cannot be controlled. This viewpoint can be disempowering for the person, their family and the community as it could suggest that the person is unable to change.

In the disease model, the term “alcoholic” is used to describe a person with the disease “alcoholism”. It is generally not recommended to use these terms, except when referring clinically to alcohol-related conditions, eg. ‘alcoholic liver disese’ . Phrases such as, ‘person with alcohol problems’ or ‘person who has a dependence on alcohol’ are encouraged.

Drug

A chemical substance, natural or synthetic, legal or illegal, that affects the processes of the mind or body.

Drug abuse

Drug use that causes harm. The term is not recommended as it can create negative feelings or attitudes toward the user and their family.

Drug dependence

When the drug is central to a person’s thoughts, emotions and activities and using it takes on a higher priority than other parts of their life and may neglect responsibilities. They may want to take the drug continually for its effects or to avoid the discomfort and distress of not having it (withdrawal).

Drug misuse

Harmful or inappropriate use of drugs. This is the recommended as the preferred term as it does not have the same negative meanings toward the user.

Drug use

Taking drugs but not necessarily in a way that is harmful, ongoing or problematic.

Experimental use

Trying out a drug to see what it is like, often with friends or family members.

Harm minimisation or harm reduction

An approach to drugs which aims to:

·         minimise the harm and social problems caused by using drugs to the individual and the community;

·         reduce the incidence of dangerous levels and behaviours of drug use in the community;

·         prevent the initiation into harmful or hazardous drug use, especially by young people (NSW Health  Department 1999:A5).

Illicit drug

A drug which has been judged by law as illegal.

Pharmacotherapy

The use of medications to alleviate withdrawal discomfort as maintenance substitution or to reduce craving.

Relapse

A recurrence of harmful drug use after a period of improvement . Relapse is common among people who are drug dependent when they are attempting to stop use.

Significant other

Person in close relationship with the person who has a substance problem  eg. family member or relative, partner, friend, co-worker, neighbor. Often referred to as “loved one”.

Substance abuse

Consumption of a substance despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by its effects.

Treatment

Assisting people who have problems relating to their drug use. Can include stopping drug use, cutting down or using with reduced risk. Treatment options include pharmacotherapies used as part of a maintenance program eg. methadone, counselling and withdrawal.

Twelve step program

Fellowships that aim to support recovery from AOD dependence or a physical or mental compulsion. Includes Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Alanon, Alateen, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Naranon and Gamblers Anonymous.

Withdrawal

Symptoms which arise when a person reduces or ceases using a particular drug. Can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the drug.