Glossary

Hallucinogen: A substance that induces hallucinations (i.e. visions, sounds, smells, tastes, or sensations) that do not actually exist. Common examples include LSD (“acid”) and psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”). Cannabis/marijuana in high doses also can act as a hallucinogen.

Harm Reduction: Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug or alcohol use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs. The defining features include a focus on the prevention of harm, rather than on the prevention of substance use itself, with attention and focus on the individual’s active substance use (e.g., a clean needle exchange program can reduce rates of transmission of hepatitis C, HIV, or other infectious disease for individuals suffering from heroin use disorder).

Heroin: Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid drug processed from morphine and extracted from certain poppy plants.

Illicit drugs: Illicit drugs are the nonmedical use of a variety of drugs that are prohibited by law. These drugs can include: amphetamine- type stimulants, marijuana/cannabis, cocaine, heroin, other opioids, and synthetic drugs, such as illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) and ecstasy (MDMA).

Immediate-release opioids: Immediate-release opioids are faster-acting medication with a shorter duration of pain-relieving action. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) – Treatment for opioid use disorder combining the use of medications (methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone) with counseling and behavioral therapies. Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) – The amount of milligrams of morphine an opioid dose is equal to when prescribed. Calculating MME accounts for differences in opioid drug type and strength.

Intensive Outpatient Program: Intensive Outreach Programs are located at an agency office and provide intensive and structured substance use treatment, three to four days a week. The programs usually last three or four weeks and may be conducted during the daytime or in the evening.

Long Term Recovery: Someone may be considered in long term recovery after 5 years of continued remission; the point at which the risk of meeting criteria for a substance use disorder in the following year is no greater than that of the general population.

Medical Model: An addiction theory that considers addiction a medical, rather than social issue.

Medication Assisted Treatment: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including opioid treatment programs (OTPs), combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders. New research has shown that medications are effective treatments for opioid use disorder with or without psychosocial support. Low-barrier-MAT refers to MAT without the behavioral therapy supports.

Methadone: A synthetic opioid medication used to reduce withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal symptoms and is often used as a mid- to long-term opioid use disorder medication for helping stabilize and facilitate recovery among those suffering from opioid use disorders.