Addiction Counseling Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
PCSS PCSS
Providers Clinical Support System offering training and mentorship for healthcare providers treating opioid use disorders.
methadone maintenance therapy
Long-term opioid replacement treatment using methadone to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
milieu therapy
A therapeutic approach using the entire treatment environment as a tool for healing and behavioral change.
motivational interviewing
Evidence-based counseling technique designed to enhance client motivation for behavior change through collaborative conv...
MOUD
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder; FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid addiction.
naloxone
Opioid antagonist medication used to reverse potentially fatal opioid overdoses.
NARR
National organization that sets standards and provides certification for recovery housing programs.
NIDA
Federal institute that conducts and supports research on drug use disorders and addiction treatment.
OARS
Core communication skills in motivational interviewing: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries.
OBOT
Office-based opioid treatment provided by qualified physicians in standard medical settings.
PAWS
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome involving persistent symptoms after acute withdrawal period ends.
PCSS
Providers Clinical Support System offering training and mentorship for healthcare providers treating opioid use disorder...
peer recovery specialist
Individual with lived experience of addiction recovery who provides support services to others in treatment.
PHP
Partial Hospitalization Program providing intensive daily treatment while patients return home each evening.
polysubstance use
Pattern of using multiple different substances simultaneously or in sequence to achieve desired effects.
precipitated withdrawal
Sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms caused by administering an opioid antagonist to someone with opioid dependence.
precipitated withdrawal syndrome
Acute withdrawal symptoms triggered by administration of an opioid antagonist to a person with opioid dependence.
process addiction
Compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors despite negative consequences, such as gambling, shopping, or sexual behavi...
psychoeducation
Educational interventions that teach clients about addiction, mental health conditions, and coping strategies in therape...
recovery capital
The sum of resources available to individuals that can be used to initiate and sustain recovery from substance use disor...
recovery coach
Peer support specialist with lived recovery experience who provides non-clinical assistance to individuals in addiction...
recovery coaching certification
Formal credentialing process for individuals providing peer-based recovery support services to people with substance use...
recovery residence
Alcohol and drug-free living environment for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.
recovery support services
Non-clinical services that assist individuals and families in initiating, stabilizing, and sustaining recovery from subs...
relapse prevention planning
A systematic therapeutic process of identifying triggers and developing coping strategies to maintain sobriety and preve...