Abstinence - The total avoidance of a specific substance, such as alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs.

Addiction – Use of a substance in a chronic, compulsive, or uncontrollable way.

Amphetamines - A class of drugs that act as stimulants to the central nervous system.

Cocaine – a white, crystalline narcotic alkaloid derived from the coca plant and used as a surface anesthetic and a stimulant.

Crisis intervention - The process of diagnosing a drug crisis and acting immediately to arrest the condition.

Dependence – A state in which one cannot readily give up or stop the use of a drug. There are two types of dependence – physical and psychological. Physical dependence is the physical need of the body for a particular substance such that abstinence from the substance leads to physical withdrawal symptoms. Psychological dependence is an emotional reliance on a particular substance or a strong and continued craving.

Depressants – Produce a state of behavioral depression while also depressing chemical transmission between nerve cells in the brain. Effects of depressants include drowsiness, some behavioral excitation, and loss of inhibition. Alcohol is an example of a depressant.

Designer Drug – Any drug that is designed to match a client’s desired effect and manufactured by chemists in illicit laboratories. Ecstasy and methamphetamine are examples.

Drug – Any substance that alters the structure or function of a living organism.

Drug Abuse – The taking of a drug in a manner that causes bodily or mental harm.

Ecstasy - A central nervous system stimulant. It is a combination of methamphetamine (stimulant) & mescaline (hallucinogen).

GHB – Gamma hydroxybutyrate. An odorless, nearly tasteless liquid that has effects similar to alcohol. Because it is odorless and tasteless, it can be slipped into drinks without being detected. It can quickly depress the respiratory system, especially when mixed with alcohol. The danger is that not enough oxygen gets to the brain triggering unconsciousness and loss of memory. It is a banned substance in the United States.

Heroin - An opiate derivative of morphine.

Intoxication – Medically, The state of being poisoned. Usually refers to the state of being drunk.

Illicit Drug – An illegal drug. Prescription drugs used without a prescription are classified as an illicit drug.

Ketamine - A close relative of PCP. It is legally prescribed for use as an anesthetic and as a tranquilizer most commonly used on animals.

Licit Drug – A legal drug. Alcohol and tobacco are examples. Prescription drugs are also examples, so long as they are used by the person with the prescription and used according to the directions.

LSD - Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the most potent hallucinogen known to science.

Marijuana – A preparation of the leaves and flowing tops of the cannabis plant, the smoke of which is inhaled for its psychoactive effects.

Methamphetamine – Stimulant drugs derived from and more potent than amphetamines. Also known as speed.

Narcotic – A drug that has both a sedative and a pain-relieving effect. Opiate drugs are narcotics.

Nicotine – The main active ingredient of tobacco, extremely toxic and causing irritation of lung tissue, constriction of blood vessels, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and is a central nervous system stimulant.

Over-the-counter-drugs – Drugs legally sold without a prescription.

OxyContin - OxyContin™ is a legal, time-release pain medication that comes in tablet form. This pain-killer is a depressant.

Polyabuse – Abuse of various drugs simultaneously.

Rohypnol – A depressant that is manufactured legally in Colombia, Mexico, and Switzerland by the pharmaceutical company Hoffman-La Roche. It has never been manufactured or marketed legally in the U.S. One of the main attractions was the substance’s purported ability to relax women’s resistance to sexual assault – which gave it the “date rape drug” reputation. Rohypnol is reported to be seven to 10 times more potent than Valium.

Secondary Effects – Effects of a persons use and/or abuse of alcohol or drugs that impede on others. This can be anything from annoying others, to vandalism and assaulting others.

“Sextasy” – A combination of ecstasy and Viagra that can lead to heart failure, and unprotected sexual encounters.

Side-effects – Secondary effects, usually undesirable, of a drug.

Steroids (anabolic) – Synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone.

Stimulants – Chemical compounds that elevate mood, induce euphoria, increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and in high doses, produce irritability, anxiety, and a pattern of psychotic behavior. Stimulants include amphetamines, nicotine, caffeine, and cocaine.

Substance Abuse – Refers to cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse.

Tolerance – The capacity to absorb a drug continuously or in large doses with no adverse effects.

“Wet” – A combination of marijuana and embalming fluid which can be lethal.