Site Location: Home > Drug and Alcohol Information > Glossary

Drug and Alcohol Information

- Glossary -

Abstinence

Abstinence, as it relates to recovery from chemical dependence, means that the person must not use alcohol, drugs, or any mind-altering substance at all. Cigarettes are not included in this definition of sobriety. Achieving abstinence or total sobriety does not mean that the person has eliminated the addiction. Problems may continue to exist in the way the chemically dependent person deals with life issues. Professional treatment for chemical dependency helps the individual learn to prevent relapse and to understand the nature of the disease.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is a twelve-step program for people who want to recover from alcoholism.

"Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recovery from alcoholism.

"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

"A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.

"Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety."

A.A. 12-Steps

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

A.A. 12-Traditions

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority--a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose--to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Our public relationships policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Al-Anon

"The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness, and that changed attitudes can aid recovery."

"Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions."

"Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic."

"Help is here for the asking. Please take a moment to ask yourself these questions: "Are you troubled by someone's drinking?" or "did you grow up with a problem drinker?" If you identify with some of these statements, it is important to know that help and hope for friends and families of alcoholics is just a phone call away."

Al-Anon 12-Steps

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Reference: Twelve Steps of Al-Anon, www.al-anon.org/

Al-Anon 12-Traditions

Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity.
For our group purpose there is but one authority-a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The relatives of alcoholics, when gathered together for mutual aid, may call themselves an Al-Anon Family Group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.
Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group or Al-Anon or AA as a whole.
Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of A.A. ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics.
Our Al-Anon Family Groups ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim. Although a separate entity, we should always cooperate with Alcoholics Anonymous.
Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Al-Anon Twelfth-Step work should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
Our groups, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
The Al-Anon Family Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and films. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all AA members.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.

Reference: Al-Anon Twelve Traditions, www.al-anon.org/

Al-Ateen

Al-Ateen is one of the Al-Anon Family Groups.

"The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness, and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

"Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.

"Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

"Help is here for the asking. Please take a moment to ask yourself these questions: "Are you troubled by someone's drinking?" or "Did you grow up with a problem drinker?" If you identify with some of these statements, it is important to know that help and hope for friends and families of alcoholics is just a phone call away."

Al-Ateen and Al-Anon 12-Steps

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Reference: Twelve Steps of Al-Anon, www.al-anon.org/

Al-Ateen 12-Traditions

Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity.
For our group purpose there is but one authority-a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. The teenage relatives of alcoholics when gathered together for mutual aid, may call themselves an Alateen Group provided that , as a group, they have no other affiliation.
Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other Alateen and Al-Anon Family Groups or AA as a whole.
Each Alateen Group has but one purpose: to help other teenagers of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves and by encouraging and understanding the members of our immediate families.
Alateens, being part of Al-Anon Family Groups, ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim. Although a separate entity, we should always cooperate with Alcoholics Anonymous.
Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Alateen Twelfth-Step work should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
Our groups, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
The Alateen Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and films. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all AA members.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.

Reference: www.alateen.org/

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

A syndrome characterized by short attention span, forgetfulness, failure to follow through on instructions or duties, difficulty staying organized, frequently losing things, and being easily distracted. No single diagnostic test for ADD is available. A professional must diagnose it. Certain stimulant drugs such as Ritalin help some people with ADD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A syndrome characterized by hyperactivity (impulsivity, fidgeting, excessive restlessness or motor activity) and difficulties sustaining attention (forgetfulness, failure to follow through on instructions or duties, difficulty staying organized). No single diagnostic test for ADHD is available. A professional must diagnose it. Certain stimulant drugs such as Ritalin help some people with ADHD.

Benzodiazepines

Drugs of the sedative-hypnotic class. They have a calming effect that is widely used for treating anxiety. Examples include Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Librium.

Bipolar Disorder

One of the major affective (emotional) disorders in which periods of mania and periods of depression occur in the same individual. Also called manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is characterized by cyclical mood swings that alternate between periods of high activity and periods of depression. The duration of the cycles is unique to each individual.

Bottom

Occurs when individuals stop their drinking or using because they have experienced a crisis caused by their substance abuse. When only a few problems are associated with the crisis, the bottom is called a high bottom. If any severe problems are associated with the crisis, the bottom is called a low bottom. Bottom is a relative term that varies among people. One person may consider only one problem a good enough reason to stop substance abuse, while another person might think that having many of problems caused by substance abuse is still not a good enough reason to stop.

Cocaine Anonymous

"Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem, and help others to recover from their addiction.

"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.

"There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions.

"We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. We do not wish to engage in any causes.

"Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve sobriety."

C.A. 12-Steps

We admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other mind altering substances--that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Reference: The Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous, www.ca.org/12and12.html

C.A. 12-Traditions

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon C.A. unity.
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority--a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for C.A. membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose--to carry its message to the addict who still suffers.
A C.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the C.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
Every C.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Cocaine Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
C.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the C.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Our public relationships policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Reference: The Twelve Traditions of C.A., www.ca.org/12and12.html#12traditions

Chronic

Occurring over time, or long-term. Chronic drug and alcohol use refers to long-term use; chronic drug and alcohol use effects refer to persistent effects produced by long-term use.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a serious disease of the liver, frequently associated with chronic alcohol abuse. It results from scar tissue in the liver, which blocks the normal flow of blood through the organ and interrupts its ability to function. It is a leading cause of death in the United States.

Co-Dependents Anonymous

"Co-Dependents Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and fulfilling relationships. We gather together to support and share with each other in a journey of self-discovery-learning to love the self. Living the program allows each of us to become increasingly honest with ourselves about our personal histories and our own codependent behaviors.

"We rely upon the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for knowledge and wisdom. These are the principles of our program and guides to developing honest and fulfilling relationships with ourselves and others. In CoDA, we each learn to build a bridge to a Higher Power of our own understanding, and we allow others the same privilege.

"This renewal process is a gift of healing for us. By actively working the program of Co-Dependents Anonymous, we can each realize a new joy, acceptance, and serenity in our lives."

CoDA 12-Steps

We admitted we were powerless over others-that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other co-dependents, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Reference: The preamble and twelve steps of Codependents Anonymous, www.codependents.org/coda12st.html

CoDA 12-Traditions

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon CoDA unity.
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority -- a loving higher power as expressed to our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for membership in CoDA is a desire for healthy and loving relationships.
Each group should remain autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or CoDA as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose -- to carry its message to other codependents who still suffer.
A CoDA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the CoDA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim.
A CoDA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
CoDependents Anonymous should remain forever non--professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
CoDA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
CoDA has no opinion on outside issues; hence the CoDA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions; ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Reference: The Twelve-Traditions of Codependents Anonymous, www.codependents.org/coda12tr.html

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord. It is composed of specialized cells called neurons. The central nervous system plays a vital role as the “executive” center of the nervous system, and governs all thinking, feeling, and purposive action. Mind-altering drugs of addiction have their effects by altering the biochemistry of the central nervous system.

Compulsion

A strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act that is contrary to the will of the subject. The state or condition of being compelled.

Conjunctivia

The thin mucus membrane on the underside of the eyeball. The membrane reflects light onto the surface of the eye. When inflamed it makes the white of the eye appear red.

Cross Addiction

Cross Addiction occurs when a person addicted to one drug switches over to using a different (often chemically related) drug. This is usually in an attempt to control their use. The drug of choice changes, but the addiction remains.

Defenses

Defenses, or "defense mechanisms," are automatic mental reactions that serve to protect against uncomfortable or unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Commonly known examples are denial and rationalization.

Delusions

Delusions are beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, delusions may be paranoid (belief that someone is following or stalking you) or grandiose (belief that you are actually a prince, king, angel, etc).

Detox

Detoxification (detox) is the safe withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. It can be done on an outpatient basis with a physician, or on an inpatient basis for more severe or medically complicated situations. It can be a starting point for continued treatment of chemical dependency.

Dissociation

Dissociation is a state of altered consciousness in which some part of the personality is "split off" or disconnected from an awareness of one's self. Dissociation ranges from normal experiences of "spacing out," to more severe types in which people can "lose time." When this occurs, it can be an indication the individual has been through a severe traumatic experience. For example: A child who experiences a traumatic event may develop different personalities to cope with the stress of the event. These personalities may then emerge whenever the child experiences a stressful situation. Physicians use the term "Dissociative Identity Disorder" to describe the syndrome of multiple personalities. Individuals who experience dissociation may, or may not, be aware that the alternate personalities exist. When dissociation becomes severe and affects normal psychological functioning, it may be considered a dissociative disorder.

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in the brain. It has an important role in the experience of pleasure by activating "pleasure centers" in the brain. Alcohol and drug abuse can permanently change dopamine levels in the brain.

Esophagus

The esophagus is a tube connecting the oral cavity (mouth) to the stomach. Its function is to transport food to the digestive system after swallowing.

Esophageal Varices

Bleeding esophageal varices is disease of the upper digestive system (lower esophagus and upper part of the stomach) in which increased blood pressure in a nearby vein causes the veins to balloon out. This condition is often associated with liver disease, which may result from chronic and excessive alcohol intake. This condition is life-threatening, and may result in vomiting blood and shock.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the government public health agency which regulates the safety of drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and foods within the United States.

Fissures

In the brain, a fissure is a deep groove caused by the natural folding of the neocortex (the outer layer of the brain). Fissures are useful in identifying areas of brain anatomy. For example, the longitudinal fissure divides the left from the right half of the brain.

Free Radicals

Free Radicals are single atoms or groups of atoms formed by the combination of oxygen with certain other molecules in the body. They are highly reactive and can cause damage to cells and to DNA. The body controls free radicals with defenses called antioxidants.

GABA

GABA is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It inhibits the firing of neurons.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a behavioral syndrome involving excessive, and usually directionless activity. Hyperactivity makes is hard to sit still or quietly when necessary. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis. Most experts recommend an approach that includes a mix of medical, educational, behavioral and psychological interventions for this diagnosis.

Larynx

The larynx is a muscular structure lined with mucous membranes at the upper part of the trachea, which contains vocal cords. It is also called the "voice box." The larynx functions to protect and control the passage of air to the lungs, and also the production of sounds for speech. The front part of the larynx protrudes through the front of the throat, and can be easily felt. This part of the larynx is called the "Adam's Apple."

Mania

Mania is a behavioral syndrome often associated with bipolar disorder (also called manic depression). A "manic episode" is characterized by excessive energy and impulsivity, with decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, and racing thoughts.

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic narcotic that acts quantitatively similar to morphine. It is used orally in sedation, maintenance or detoxification of narcotic addictions. Methadone clinics administer methadone in an oral dose. When methadone is administered for over a three week period this is called methadone maintenance; under a three week period is considered to be an acute withdrawal treatment. Methadone abstinence syndrome, withdrawal, is similar to withdrawal from morphine or heroin, however the onset of withdrawal is slower, the course prolonged, with less severe symptoms.

Narcotics Anonymous

"N.A. is a nonprofit 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. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.

"There are no strings attached to N.A. We are not affiliated with any other organizations, we have no initiation fees or dues, no pledges to sign, no promises to make to anyone. We are not connected with any political, religious or law enforcement groups, and are under no surveillance at any time. Anyone may join us, regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion, or lack of religion.

"We are not interested in what or how much you used or who your connections were, what you have done in the past, how much or how little you have, but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help. The newcomer is the most important person at any meeting, because we can only keep what we have by giving it away. We have learned from our group experience that those who keep coming to our meetings regularly stay clean."

N.A. 12-Steps

We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Reference: Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, Fifth Addition 1988

N.A. 12-Traditions

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on N.A. unity.
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority-a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or N.A. as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose-to carry the message to the addict who still suffers.
An N.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the N.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property or prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
Every N.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Narcotics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
N.A., as such, ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
Narcotics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the N.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Reference: Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, Fifth Edition 1988

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow communication between nerve cells in the brain and the rest of the nervous system. Neurotransmitters work by crossing the gap between neurons (called the synapse) and stimulating specialized structures called synapses on the neuron. Commonly known types include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in the brain. It is also called noradrenaline. It has an important role in regulating mood, in addition to heart rate, blood pressure, and the action of muscles for breathing.

Obsession

The domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc. Alcoholics and addicts can become obsessed with finding, and consuming their drug.

Overdose

Overdose refers to a drug dosage that is higher than the recommended range. Many drugs have very different effects depending on the dose, and many are dangerous in overdose. A drug that is beneficial at a low or moderate dose may become toxic at a higher dose.

Pancreas

A gland, situated near the stomach. It secretes enzymes into the intestine to aid in the digestion of food. It is also the gland that secretes the hormone insulin. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause the enzymes to leak back into the pancreas, causing it to begin digesting itself. This condition, called pancreatitis, is medically dangerous, and extremely painful.

Pharynx

The pharynx is the opening at the back of the throat, which is shared by the digestive and the respiratory systems. It connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus. It receives air from the nasal passageways and air, food, and water from the mouth. It is unfortunately vulnerable to infection, inflammation, and carcinoma.

Pleasure Center

"Pleasure center" refers to a brain area that registers experiences of pleasure. It plays an important role in basic human motivation. Activation of the pleasure center is moderated by the neurotransmitter called dopamine. Research suggests that recreational drug and alcohol use stimulates the pleasure center, leading to the process of addiction.

Progression

Progression refers to the continuing process of addiction, which tends to escalate and worsen over time. The disease model of addiction refers to the "progression of the disease" to describe the increasing social, physical, psychological, and spiritual problems caused by addiction.

Psychotic Episodes

Psychotic episodes are "breaks" from reality. A person experiencing a psychotic episode may show delusional thinking and bizarre behavior. Psychotic episodes can be precipitated by drug use.

Receptor

A receptor is a protein "keyhole" located on the membrane of a cell that is designed to accept a chemical "key." Activation of the receptor causes certain changes in the cell, therefore controlling its function. In the nervous system, nerve cells are activated by receptors designed to receive naturally occurring neurotransmitters. Neuron receptors can, however, be activated by other substances chemically related to the neurotransmitter.

Relapse

Relapse means returning to a drug of abuse after a period of abstinence. According to the disease model, resuming any addictive drug, not just the original drug of choice, constitutes a relapse.

Repression

Repression is a defense mechanism in which unacceptable or disturbing feelings, ideas, or impulses are kept from consciousness. Repression is an unconscious process, so the individual is not normally aware that he or she is avoiding anything. The purpose of repression is to avoid an uncomfortable confrontation with undesirable parts of the personality.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in the brain. It plays important functions in a wide range of body functions. It helps to regulate mood, sleep, and learning.

Sobriety

Sobriety refers to a state of abstaining from drugs and alcohol.

Suppression

Suppression is a defense mechanism in which unacceptable or uncomfortable feelings, ideas, or impulses are deliberately avoided. Suppression is a conscious process, so the individual is normally aware that he or she is avoiding something. Suppression may be as simple as deciding not to worry about something, or like Scarlett O'Hara, deciding to "think about it tomorrow."

Synapse

The synapse is a gap between individual nerve cells in the nervous system. This gap is crossed by chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters. It allows communication among neurons.

Synesthesia

Synesthesia refers to multiple hallucinations experienced at the same time. It is known to occur occasionally among users of hallucinogens such as LSD.

Tolerance

Tolerance refers to a physiological process in which the body adapts to the presence of drugs or alcohol. Because the body adapts in this way, greater and greater amounts of a drug or alcohol are needed to achieve the same effect. Tolerance generally leads to using more and more of the drug or alcohol.

Whiskey Nose

When the nose of a chronic alcoholic becomes red from broken blood vessels and enlarged and puffy with fluid.

Withdrawal

The set of symptoms that occur reliably when someone stops taking a drug.

eGetgoing addiction treatment and drug rehab program

Online Treatment
How Online Treatment Works Drug and Alcohol Information Frequently Asked Questions Adolescent Treatment Website
eGetgoing, Inc.
About Us Information For Substance Abuse Professionals Current News Resources

Addiction Information Chemical Dependency Is Chemical Dependency Treatable? The Risk of Addiction Disease Model Disease Progression Common Defenses Types of Dependency Enabling Addictive Drugs Glossary