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Addiction Medicine Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

Biopsychosocial Formulation

Professional Technical IVT

Comprehensive case conceptualization integrating biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to substance use disorders.

Showing 25–48 of 100

Disease Model

Intermediate Technical IVT

A conceptual framework that views addiction as a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive substance use despite...

Technical Term Full entry →

Diversion

Advanced Formal IVT

The illegal distribution or misuse of legally prescribed controlled substances outside their intended medical purpose.

Legal Term Full entry →

diversion control

Professional Technical IVT

Regulatory and clinical measures implemented to prevent the illegal distribution or misuse of controlled substances in t...

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Diversion Monitoring

Professional Technical IVT

Systematic surveillance and prevention of the illicit distribution of controlled substances prescribed for addiction tre...

Technical Term Full entry →

Dual Diagnosis

Intermediate Technical IVT

The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, requiring integrated treatment appro...

Technical Term Full entry →

Enabling

Intermediate Technical IVT

Behaviors that inadvertently support or facilitate continued substance use by removing consequences or providing resourc...

Technical Term Full entry →

Graduated Sanctions

Advanced Technical IVT

Progressive disciplinary measures applied in response to treatment non-compliance or substance use, designed to promote...

Technical Term Full entry →

harm reduction

Intermediate Technical IVT

Public health approach focusing on reducing negative consequences of drug use rather than eliminating use entirely.

Technical Term Full entry →

Informed Consent

Intermediate Formal IVT

The process of ensuring patients understand treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to participate.

Legal Term Full entry →

IOP

Professional Technical IVT

Intensive Outpatient Program - a structured treatment program providing multiple therapy sessions per week while allowin...

Document Type Full entry →

IOT

Intermediate Technical IVT

Intensive Outpatient Treatment; structured addiction treatment program allowing patients to maintain work or family resp...

Abbreviation Full entry →

Kindling Effect

Professional Technical IVT

Progressive worsening of withdrawal symptoms with repeated episodes of cessation and relapse.

Technical Term Full entry →

kindling phenomenon

Advanced Technical IVT

Progressive worsening of withdrawal symptoms with repeated episodes of substance use and cessation, particularly observe...

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maintenance therapy

Intermediate Technical IVT

Long-term pharmacological treatment to prevent relapse and support recovery from addiction.

Technical Term Full entry →

MAT

Intermediate Technical IVT

Medication-Assisted Treatment; use of FDA-approved medications combined with behavioral therapy for substance use disord...

Abbreviation Full entry →

medical necessity

Intermediate Formal IVT

Insurance requirement that addiction treatment services be clinically appropriate and evidence-based for coverage approv...

Legal Term Full entry →

Medication Compliance

Intermediate Technical IVT

Patient adherence to prescribed medication regimens in addiction treatment programs.

Technical Term Full entry →

Medication Diversion

Professional Technical IVT

Illegal distribution or misuse of prescribed medications outside legitimate medical channels.

Legal Term Full entry →

Medication Reconciliation

Professional Technical IVT

Systematic process of comparing a patient's current medications with newly prescribed treatments to prevent dangerous in...

Technical Term Full entry →

medication-assisted treatment

Professional Technical IVT

Treatment approach combining FDA-approved medications with counseling for substance use disorders.

Technical Term Full entry →

methadone maintenance

Professional Technical IVT

Long-term treatment using daily methadone doses to prevent opioid withdrawal and cravings.

Technical Term Full entry →

motivational interviewing

Professional Technical IVT

Client-centered counseling approach designed to elicit behavior change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

Technical Term Full entry →

MOUD

Professional Technical IVT

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, the preferred terminology for evidence-based pharmacological treatments.

Abbreviation Full entry →

naloxone

Intermediate Technical IVT

Opioid antagonist medication used to reverse opioid overdoses and prevent misuse of other opioids.

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 25–48 of 100

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