Drug Addiction Glossary of Terms


The treatment experts at Faith in Recovery provide an in-depth drug glossary for friends and family members who may not be aware of addiction and the terms associated with it. If your loved one is struggling with active addiction, it is important to have an understanding of addiction and the treatment involved.

Drug Glossary

Addiction: A recurring activity that continuously causes harm to oneself or others. A drug or alcohol addiction is a built-up tolerance to a substance.

Addictive Personality: A set of personality traits that make someone more susceptible to develop addictions to drugs, alcohol, or other habit-forming behaviors in the future.

Age at Onset: The age at which one’s addictive behavior began, which is an important component in assessing an addiction before a treatment plan is created.

Agonist: A substance that triggers a receptor in the brain.

Amphetamine: A stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. Adderall is an example of a prescribed Amphetamine.

Antagonist: A substance that can reverse another’s effects (a drug that does not cause a response). It blocks a biological response by binding to a receptor rather than creating the response like an agonist.

Barbiturate: A substance that acts as a central nervous system depressant, and can therefore produce a wide spectrum of effects, from mild sedation to total anesthesia.

Benzodiazepine: A group of depressants used to induce sleep, prevent seizures, produce sedation, relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, etc. Also known as benzos.

Biofeedback: This is the process of helping addicts gain awareness of many physiological functions like heart rate, brain activity, etc. Some of the processes that can be controlled include brainwaves, muscle tone, skin conductance, heart rate, and pain perception.

Codependency: An excessive emotional or psychological dependence on a partner, typically a partner who requires support due to an illness or addiction.

Depression: One of the most frequent types of distress that can result from addiction. It is a mental health disorder characterized by changes in mood, thought, and behavior causing significant impairment in daily life.

Detoxification (Detox): The medical process of completely removing a toxic substance (drugs or alcohol) from the body. This typically involves abstention from any substance until the bloodstream is free of toxins. Withdrawals do occur during this process.

Evidence-Based Treatment: Scientifically validated addiction treatment studies that have been conducted and extensive research has been documented on a particular treatment, and it has proven to be successful. Drug and alcohol treatment centers provide evidence-based treatment for their patients as they are best practices.

Faith-Based Treatment: the combination of traditional addiction treatment with spiritual guidance. Strengthening one’s spiritual connection with a higher power at the same time as treating any addiction present.

Fentanyl: A powerful opioid used in medical settings that has found its way into many recreational drugs. Produces similar effects to heroin; however, it is incredibly more potent and can be deadly.

Hydrocodone: An effective narcotic analgesic first developed as a cough medication. Used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Morphine: A pain medication of the opiate type, which is found naturally in a number of plants and animals. It directly affects the central nervous system to decrease the feeling of pain. Very addictive if misused.

Opiate: The poppy plant’s natural ingredients. Also includes opiates such as opium, morphine, and heroin.

Recovery: Reducing or abstaining from substance abuse; often followed by one’s personal life being turned around by way of a supportive environment to return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength. A journey that leads to complete sobriety and change.

Relapse: Using drugs or alcohol after a period of sobriety or drug use cessation.

Withdrawal Symptoms: Severe and excruciating physical and emotional symptoms that generally occur between 4 to 72 hours after ceasing to use drugs or alcohol.


 

How do the 12 Steps Work?

The 12 steps were developed in 1935 for use in combating alcoholism. Since then, this program has helped countless people all over the world overcome addiction and alcoholism. The steps begin by first asking people to admit that there is a problem. People going in for recovery admit that they’re powerless to fight alcohol or drugs. Then, they take the second step to believe that a power greater than themselves can help them overcome substance abuse. From there, the 12 steps proceed toward healthy and therapeutic goals, helping them recover and stay realistic, admit wrongdoings and make progress toward goals without self-loathing. Click here to learn more about drug treatment programs.

Leaning on God Through the 12 Steps

When your goal is recovery there is no proven theory to be a more effective in drug and alcohol treatment than the 12-steps. We combine the steps with our spiritual program. The second step refers to a higher power, in our faith-based program that power is God. At Faith in Recovery our number one goal is helping you overcome the disease of addiction, while providing you with growth through your recovery process. The 12-step spiritual program it is a great place to begin!


 

Discharge and Aftercare Programming

Upon successful completion of Faith in Recovery at Banyan Treatment Center our clients are connected with a home church and Celebrate Recovery in their area. When clients are local to south Florida or are planning to remain in the area the South Florida recovery and faith community is an excellent place to begin their new sober and spiritual journey. This also removes them from the people, places and things which may have been a contributing factor to their active addiction.

Clients are also provided with information on IOP and aftercare programs as well as issued a packet that has helpful training literature to provide them with a better understanding of the Bible, a list of local faith leaders, Christian channel suggestions, prayer lists, Christian movies, Praise & Worship music lists and much more.prayer lists, Christian movies, Praise & Worship music lists and much more.

Faith in Recovery is an all-inclusive, separate program, and not merely just a “track” as most other treatment facilities.