Re: Glossary: Terms and Abbreviations used at ODR
Denial= A common reaction of people with substance use disorders who, when confronted with the existence of those disorders, deny that they have a substance abuse problem and/or have lost control of it. This is a complex reaction that is the product of psychological and physiological factors. It is not necessarily a deliberate, willful act on the part of the person who is abusing substances, but rather can be a set of defenses and distortions in thinking caused by the use of substances
Dependence (Physical)= Normal physical state of adaptation to a substance, the absence of which produces symptoms and signs of withdrawal. It is possible to be physically dependent on a substance without being addicted to it. Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by a drug class specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug, or administration of an antagonist.
Detox= Pertaining to addiction; it is generally a medically supervised treatment for alcohol or drug addiction designed to purge the body of intoxicating or addictive substances. Such a program is used as a first step in overcoming physiological or psychological addiction.
Disease= a disorder with recognizable signs and often having a known cause; dis-ease, the opposite of ease, when something is wrong with a bodily function. In the context of addiction, some people reject the fact that addiction is a disease, despite that top medical organizations proclaimed it true over 50 years ago.
DOC= Drug of Choice,(abbreviation can also mean Dr./Doctor)
Dopamine= is a chemical naturally produced in the body. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter which provides feelings of euphoria and well being.
Endorphins are naturally occurring opioids that activate the dopamine pathway. All addictive substances activate the dopamine pathway. A person takes a drug of abuse, be it marijuana or cocaine or even alcohol, activating the same brain circuits as do behaviors linked to survival, such as eating, bonding and sex. The drug causes a surge in levels of dopamine, which results in feelings of pleasure. The brain remembers this pleasure and wants it repeated.
If the brain senses that too much dopamine is being released it will adapt and inhibit dopamine release in an effort to normalize brain function. Once dopamine release is inhibited the external addictive substance is now required to maintain normal levels of dopamine.
DSM= The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", published by the American Psychiatric Association is the handbook used most often in diagnosing mental disorders in the United States.
Dysphoria= Opposite of euphoria.
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Enabling= As it applies to the disease of addiction, can be defined as doing for someone, in an attempt to help, those things they could or should be doing for themselves, thus actually making it easier for them to continue in the progression of the disease.
Endorphins= name is derived from combining the words "endogenous morphine", which literally means "morphine produced naturally in the body". Endorphins are opium-like substances produced naturally in the brain which give a feeling of well-being and are natural painkillers. Production of endorphins is stimulated by many natural circumstances, including profound exercise.
ETOH= alcohol. Term often used amongst health care professionals.
Euphoria= Psychological feeling of well being and extreme happiness.
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FWIW= For What it's Worth
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Habit= as in "drug habit", an outdated term for addiction or physical dependence. Calling substance use disorders a habit denies the medical nature of the condition and implies that resolution of the problem is simply a matter of willpower. Cigarette companies prefer this term instead of “addiction”.
H.A.L.T.= Hungry Angry Lonely Tired
Hepatitis= is inflammation of the liver and can be caused by infections with various organisms, including bacteria, viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, etc.), or parasites. Chemical toxins such as alcohol, drugs, or poisonous mushrooms can also damage the liver and cause it to become inflamed.
A rare but extremely dangerous cause of hepatitis results from overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can be deadly. In addition, immune cells in the body may attack the liver and cause autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatitis may resolve quickly (acute hepatitis), or cause long-term disease (chronic hepatitis). In some instances, progressive liver damage, liver cancer, or liver failure may result.
HP= Higher Power
Hydro= Hydrocodone
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IMHO= In My Humble(or)Honest Opinion
Impulsive= Inclined to act on impulse rather than thought. Acting on a whim rather than by necessity, thought, or
reason.
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JK= Just kidding
JMO= Just My Opinion
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LOL= Laughing Out Loud
LMAO= Laughing My A*ss Off
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Maintenance= A stabilization period. The patient should remain on the lowest effective dose for an indefinite amount of time which allows them to prepare and make the necessary changes that would otherwise make long term abstinence unlikely.
Methadone= The acceptability as a narcotic treatment drug is predicated on it's ability to substitute for heroin, only because of the long duration of action, and the mode of oral administration.
MMT = Methadone Maintenance
Mu Opioid Receptor= receptor on the surface membrane of nerve cells that mediates opioid analgesia, tolerance, and addiction through drug-induced activation. When an opioid agonist or partial agonist (Buprenorphine) binds to a mu opioid receptor, a series of other proteins associated with the mu receptor-signaling pathway becomes activated. Other opioid receptors are the delta and kappa receptors.
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NA= Narcotics Anonymous
Naloxone= An alkaloid pure opiate antagonist of morphine to reverse the effects of narcotics. It prevents or reverses the effects of opioids.
Naltrexone= an opiate antagonist similar to naloxone but with longer action and greater potency. Works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, without activating them, therefore blocking the effects of opioids. Naltrexone has a High affinity to the Mu receptor, yet not as high as buprenorphine.
Needle Embolization= Blood clot caused by use of a needle. If dislodged, the clot may cause death.
Neurotransmitter= A molecule secreted by neurons for communicating nerve signal to other neurons, to muscles or to glands.
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OBOT= Office Based Opioid Treatment.
OCs or Oxys= Oxycontin or oxycodone
ODR= Opiate Detox & Recovery (thats us!)
Opiate= An opium-containing drug: a drug that contains opium or an opium derivative such as morphine or heroin. A medication or illegal drug that is either derived from the opium poppy, or that mimics the effect of an opiate.
Opioid= A synthetic narcotic such as methadone, that has opiate-like activities but is not derived from opium. A synthetic narcotic that resembles the naturally occurring opiates. Any of a group of naturally occurring peptides, e.g., enkephalins, that bind at or otherwise influence opiate receptors, either with opiate-like or opiate antagonist effects.
ORT = Opiate Replacement Therapy is the medical procedure of replacing an addictive full agonist opiate such as heroin with a longer acting full agonist opiate such as methadone.
The essence of addiction is uncontrollable compulsive behavior. The first goal of addiction treatment is to stop this dangerous addictive behavior.
The term replacement instead of "treatment" suggests little change besides a move from illegal addiction to legal addiction. The addict is still "tied" to a drug, made to stand in line as a consumer at what is often referred to as "the klinic" waiting for their daily score. New drug contacts are available for the asking. Highest doses are often strongly recommended because abstinance is not the goal.
With Buprenorphine therapy as a short term treatment, along with a comprehensive long term treatment plan, the dangerous addictive behavior is stopped not replaced. There is no daily run, also no euphoric high for most. Cravings and withdrawal are under control so the addict can focus on change.
OTOH= On the Other Hand
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It's never too late to have a happy childhood
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