Key Terms: 

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• Substance Use Disorder: When someone has a substance use disorder they have had prolonged use of a drug (alcohol, nicotine, prescription medication, illegal substances). The person may need to increase the amount of the substance as they develop tolerance to it and need more in order to experience the drug’s effects.  If they stop using the substance they may experience withdrawal symptoms. 

 

• Addiction: Addiction occurs when the brain and body crave a particular substance and a person is unable to control or stop the use of that substance. They may experience mental and physical health problems as well as social problems (ex. legal trouble, family problems, trouble at work/school, etc.).

 

• Co-Occurring Disorder:   When a person has a co-occurring disorder it means that they have a substance use disorder and also have a diagnosable mental illness.  Often times the substance use disorder is developed as a response of self-medicating against the untreated mental illness.

 

• Recovery: A person is said to be in recovery when they stop using a substance or substances.  Having a substance use disorder is life-long which means that when a person abstains from the substance, the process of recovery is also a lifetime process.  When in recovery a person will often change their outlook on life and re-learn how to live without using substances. This means avoiding triggers for substance use such as people, places, and things that may make them feel that they want to use.

 

• Substance Abuse Prevention:  Prevention is providing education and support to individuals and communities in order to prevent the onset of substance use and abuse. Outreach efforts are intended to educate communities on the dangers of substance use and create positive, healthy social norms.

 

• Mental Health Disorder: A mental health disorder is a psychological disorder that impacts behavior and mental well-being.  The severity of the mental health disorder varies depending on the diagnosis and how it is being maintained.   

 

• Trauma Informed Care: Trauma Informed Care is a care model that recognizes the impact trauma can have on an individual both mentally and physically.  Care is delivered in a safe and supportive environment that is positive and seeks to help the individual feel empowered and regain control. An organization that is trauma informed not only utilizes it as a care delivery method but realizes the impact of trauma in all stages of the process of care once an individual walks through the door.

 

• Cognitive Functioning:  Cognitive functioning is a person’s ability to think, reason, problem-solve and make decisions.