Drug Related Terminology
Abstinence
When an individual does not use drugs or alcohol.
1.
Acute Alcohol Withdrawal
Symptoms experienced when someone who has abused alcohol for long periods stops drinking. These include headache, nausea, tremors, hallucinations and seizures. This can lead to delirium tremens and ultimately, death.
2.
Bong
A water pipe or filtration device used for smoking marijuana or other herbs. It comes in many shapes and sizes.
3.
Buprenorphine
An opioid partial agonist medication prescribed for the treatment of opioid addiction that relieves drug cravings without producing the high or dangerous side effects of opioids.
4.
Hallucinogens
A class of drugs that can cause visual, auditory or aural hallucinations. These drugs can be naturally derived (e.g. mushrooms, peyote) or synthetic (e.g. LSD).
5.
Opioids
A class of drugs that reduces the perception of pain. Examples include prescription drugs like Oxycodone and Hydrocodone and illegal drugs like Heroin. Side effects of use can include constipation, euphoria and drowsiness. To increase euphoria, these drugs are often misused via injection or snorting. heroin is also often combined with other potentially lethal drugs like Fentanyl, which can lead to overdose and death. Sudden withdrawal can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting, insomnia and fever.
6.
Opioid Withdrawal
When someone who has been using opioids suddenly stops taking them. This is characterized by anxiety, agitation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Opioids should be discontinued while under a doctor's care.
7.
Substance Use Disorder
When the recurrent use of a substance like drugs, tobacco or alcohol results in significant impairments in functioning, health or other measures of disability. This can be classified as mild, moderate or severe according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
8.