ALCOHOLISM
Physical dependence on alcohol.
ASAM LEVELS OF CARE
The most widely used and comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay and transfer or discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. Established by the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
ASSESSMENT
The purpose of an assessment is to gather the detailed information needed for a treatment plan that meets the individual needs of the person. It is a clinical process for defining the nature of the problem, determining a diagnosis and developing specific treatment recommendations for addressing the problem or diagnosis. Please note: Recover Alaska and Alaska 2-1-1 do not provide assessments.
BAC OR BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
The concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream. A BAC of .10 means the individual’s body has one part alcohol for every 1000 parts of blood. In Alaska, as in most U.S. states, you are considered legally drunk if your BAC is .08% or greater.
BINGE DRINKING
NIAAA defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL. This typically occurs after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men—in about 2 hours.
COLD TURKEY
Quitting alcohol completely without weaning off and without any medical help.
CROSS-DEPENDENCE
The ability of one drug to prevent withdrawal signs and symptoms of an individual’s physical dependence on another drug.
DTS OR DELIRIUM TREMENS
A severe form of alcohol withdrawal. Individuals may have a fever, severe hypertension with a rapid heart rate, agitation and inability to remain still. Other symptoms can include drenching sweats, visual hallucinations, and extreme confusion. DTs can be fatal and require hospitalization.
DETOX OR DETOXIFICATION
The process of abstaining from and ridding the body of alcohol.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
Individuals diagnosed with both an addictive disorder (such as alcoholism) and mental health disorder (such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).
DSM-V
The fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used by providers to diagnose mental disorders, including addiction.
EARLY INTERVENTION
Assessment and education for at-risk individuals who have not been diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
INPATIENT TREATMENT
Medical treatment that takes place within a hospital or residential treatment facility. Inpatient rehab programs generally range from 28 days to 90 days or more.
INTERVENTION
A planned, professionally directed interaction in which family or friends confront an alcoholic and share their concerns.
MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT
Treatment that combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT
Medical treatment without admission to a hospital or residential treatment facility.
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT
A live-in health care facility that provides treatment for substance misuse disorders.
SCREENING
The purpose of a screening is to determine whether a person needs an assessment. It is a process for evaluating the possible presence of a problem by asking questions carefully designed to determine whether a more thorough evaluation for a particular problem or disorder is warranted.
