Addiction
Definition of Addiction: Many definitions, Many Lenses Addiction has many accepted definitions. Each definition of addiction reflects a different way of thinking. Medical models emphasize biology and brain change. Psychological models emphasize learning and behavior. Mutual-help groups emphasize lived experience and recovery values. Policy and legal systems add further language and rules. A clear glossary […]
Heavy Drinking
What is Heavy Drinking? What counts as heavy drinking? You might be surprised. The CDC states: “Heavy drinking—Eight or more drinks for women, or 15 or more drinks for men during a week.” This sets the weekly threshold for what is considered heavy drinking, but that’s not the whole story. Heavy drinking might not look […]
IOP
IOP meaning: Intensive Outpatient Program. Structured, nonresidential care for addiction and mental health. Learn how IOP supports recovery.
Recovery
The definition of recovery from addiction varies by source, but shared themes appear. Recovery is a process of change, not a single event. It involves health, purpose, connection, and growth over time. Public Health Definitions The Surgeon General’s glossary offers a foundational definition of recovery: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health […]
Recovery capital
Recovery Capital Definition The definition of recovery capital is the sum of personal, social, cultural, and material resources that support sustained sobriety or clean time. Recovery capital refers to the full set of internal and external resources that people can draw on to start and sustain remission from substance use disorders. The term originated in […]
Residential Treatment
What is residential treatment? The report entitled “Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health“ gives a Residential Treatment Definition as follows: “Intensive, 24-hour a day services delivered in settings other than a hospital” (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016). What is residential treatment? In short, residential treatment […]
Trauma-Focused Addiction Treatment
Trauma-focused addiction treatment is a therapeutic approach designed to address both substance use disorders and the lasting effects of trauma. This form of treatment recognizes that trauma is often a root cause or contributing factor in addiction and that lasting recovery depends on treating both conditions together. Understanding Trauma and Addiction Trauma refers to an […]
Wet Brain Syndrome
Definition of “Wet Brain Syndrome” Wet brain syndrome is a nonmedical term for Wernicke-Korsakoff (WK) Syndrome. According to NIAAA, WK syndrome is a serious brain condition linked to chronic alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder. Researchers estimate it may remain undiagnosed in about 80 percent of patients. Most professionals use the medical name to avoid […]
