Terms

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12-Step Program: A structure and set of guidelines to facilitate recovery of addictions and/or compulsions. The first and most well-known are the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Other 12-step programs include Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Al-Anon/Alateen, and many more (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program).

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A

Aftercare: Programs available to people who are addicted to substances to participate in services and treatments to assist in recovery after they initially get sober (detox or medically-assisted detox). These can include In-Patient, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Sober Living, and more.

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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A “fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem” (aa.org).

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Antabuse (Disulfiram): “Medication used in the treatment of alcohol use disorders by producing unpleasant side effects and sensitivity to alcohol. [Acts] as an alcohol antagonist drug, blocks the conversion from acetaldehyde to acetic acid, resulting in an upsurge of acetaldehyde, which is toxic and causes the individual to become ill” (americanaddictioncenters.com).

D

Deductible: “The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay” (healthcare.gov). It is important to check what yours is as you will need to pay this amount before insurance will start to fully pay for medical expenses.

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Detox: “The process of clearing toxins from the body of a [person] who is dependent on substances of abuse” (drugrehab.com). It happens during abstinence/cessation from a substance. It can be life-threatening for someone whose body is physically dependent on a substance. It is the first step in the treatment process and addresses physical dependence not mental or behavioral factors.

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E

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provided by an employer it is a “voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems” (opm.gov). If this option is available to you, it can often assist in finding services, treatments, and facilities your insurance will cover.

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Explanation of Benefits (EOB): “An EOB is a statement from your health insurance plan describing what costs it will cover for medical care or products you’ve received” (cigna.com). This will outline what was charged for a service and will include codes as well as what is paid for by your insurance and what you will need to pay out-of-pocket. Verifying what is being charged can save you from unexpected costs, check for incorrect codes, descriptions, or items that were covered during the first days or weeks (e.g., during detox) that are no longer covered further along during treatments.

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F

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): “Entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave” (dol.gov). Depending on the length of time in a current role and medical diagnosis, it could be an option.

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G

Group Therapy (”Group”): Therapy session with multiple participants confronting similar issues in a safe space by sharing experiences, discussing emotions, providing accountability and support, and celebrating wins.

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I

In-Patient Treatment: A full-time, live-in addiction recovery center that includes medical supervision as well as mental and peer support services. In-patient centers vary greatly and have different levels of care, approach to recovery, lengths of stay, and amenities.

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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Participants attend program sessions throughout the week at a facility. Often every other day for a few hours. These sessions include one-on-one and/or group therapy.

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M

Medically-Assisted Detox: Ridding “the body of toxic addictive substances under the supervision of a team of licensed medical professionals” (therecoveryvillage.com). This team delivers medical care when and as needed during the process. This is important for the patient to remain safe. It is not a treatment but increases the likelihood of successful recovery.

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N

Narcotics Anonymous (NA): A ”fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean” (na.org).

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P

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Participants remain at a rehab facility and attend programs daily but return home at night. The daily schedule is intensive and similar to that of in-patient treatment.

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Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS): Someone who has “been successful in the recovery process who helps others experiencing similar situations” (iaprss.org). There are variations of this role with different purposes, qualifications, and certifications.

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S

Sober Living: Places “that provide safe housing and supportive, structured living conditions for people exiting drug rehabilitation programs” (en.wikipedia.org). Sober living is an option often utilized after In-Patient Treatment. It is most often attended in conjunction with either a PHP program or an IOP program. Sometimes, sober living is also an option after a relapse or when in-patient treatment isn’t covered by insurance or financially feasible.

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Step Work: Used in the context of “Working the Program” in AA. Doing step work involves focusing on each of the 12 steps in order. It can include completing reflections, requirements, tasks, or worksheets associated with specific steps.

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U

Urine Analysis (UA): The general medical use of this is to perform testing to determine or diagnose a disease or disorder. In this context, a UA is performed (often on a regular schedule) to see if addictive substances are present.

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V

Vivitrol (Naltrexone): “Fits into a category of medications called opioid antagonists. This means that naltrexone can block the effects of opioid substances in the brain, and thus helps manage the temptation/craving for drugs or alcohol” (rehabs.com).

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W

Working the Program: Most often used in the context of completing the 12-steps of AA. It means learning the principles and guidelines associated with the recovery program and using and applying them to facilitate recovery. It can apply to many types of recovery programs.

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