Addiction Medicine Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
Biopsychosocial Formulation
Comprehensive case conceptualization integrating biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to substance use disorders.
Recovery-Oriented Language
Terminology that reduces stigma and emphasizes person-first language when discussing substance use disorders and treatme...
Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care
Coordinated network of community-based services and supports designed to guide and sustain long-term recovery from subst...
relapse prevention
Therapeutic approach teaching strategies to maintain sobriety and prevent return to substance use.
REMS
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies required by FDA for certain addiction medications with abuse potential.
SAMHSA
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, federal agency overseeing addiction treatment standards.
SBIRT
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment; early intervention approach for substance use problems.
SMART Recovery
Self-management addiction recovery support program using cognitive-behavioral and motivational tools.
split dosing
Administration of daily medication in divided doses rather than single daily dose to improve therapeutic coverage.
stepped care
Treatment approach beginning with least intensive intervention and progressing to higher levels as needed.
Structured Outpatient Addiction Program
Intensive day treatment program providing comprehensive addiction services while allowing patients to live at home.
Suboxone
Brand name for combination medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone, used in opioid addiction treatment.
Substance Use History
Comprehensive assessment documenting a patient's past and current substance use patterns, including substances used, fre...
Substance-Induced Disorder
Mental health symptoms directly caused by intoxication, withdrawal, or chronic substance use effects.
substance-induced mood disorder
Mood symptoms that develop during or soon after substance intoxication, withdrawal, or medication use, and are directly...
Substance-Induced Psychosis
Psychotic symptoms directly caused by acute intoxication or withdrawal from substances.
take-home doses
Methadone or other medication doses dispensed for self-administration at home rather than daily clinic observation.
Taper Schedule
A medically supervised plan for gradually reducing drug dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Therapeutic Alliance
The collaborative relationship between patient and clinician characterized by mutual trust and shared treatment goals.
therapeutic community
Residential treatment model using peer support and community living as primary therapeutic tools.
Therapeutic Dose
Optimal medication amount that provides symptom relief while minimizing side effects and craving.
Therapeutic Jurisprudence
Legal framework that considers the therapeutic impact of laws and legal procedures on individuals with substance use dis...
therapeutic milieu
Structured treatment environment designed to promote recovery through peer interaction and environmental factors.
therapeutic window
Blood concentration range where medication provides optimal benefit with minimal adverse effects.
Tolerance
A physiological state where increasing amounts of a substance are needed to achieve the same effect previously produced...