GLOSSARY

For the purpose of this assignment and to the readers of this blog I have created a glossary of terms I will use throughout the development of my personal theory. These terms are my own interpretation of the language used in the field of addictions and how they are defined here is how they will be intended in my future work on this blog.

It’s important to remember that many of these terms interrelate; however, they should not be interchangeable.

Knowing acceptable and appropriate terminology is necessary for professions in this area of work. That being said, we know that it is essential for us to use the language our clients present for us; when interacting with clients we use the terms that they feel comfortable with and can relate to.

SUBSTANCE: alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs or medication.

SUBSTANCE MISUSE: using a substance in any other way than it was originally intended. This includes: taking medication prescribed to someone else, using an improper amount or at an improper frequency, or by a different method (route of administration) than intended.  

TOLERANCE: when an amount of a substance no longer gives the desired effect and needs to be taken in a larger quantity and/or more often.

HARMFUL INVOLVEMENT: when the use of a substance negatively impacts on of the dimensions of wellness (see definition below).

SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE: a physiological need to consume a substance regularly (tolerance is likely to occur); without regular doses withdrawal will occur (see withdrawal definition).

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Substance abuse is when a person continues to use, over-use, or misuse a substance even after experiencing negative consequences such as failure to fulfill life obligations, legal problems, or other significant problems.

*ADDICTION:  the consistent need to engage in illegal or dangerous behaviors to obtain and/or partake in a substance or behaviour.

WITHDRAWAL: the feelings of discomfort, distress, and intense craving for a substance that occur when use of the substance is stopped. These physical symptoms occur because the body had become metabolically adapted to the substance. The withdrawal symptoms can range from mild discomfort resembling the flu to severe withdrawal that can actually be life threatening (Kendra Cherry). Symptoms depend upon the type, duration, frequency and amount of the substance ingested.

CONCURRENT DISORDER: the manifestation of an addictions related problem as well as a mental health issue. 

MANSLOW’S HEIRARCHY OF NEED: a psychological theory of personal motivation set up in a pyramid formation with the most basic needs on the bottom which need to be fulfilled to reach the top of the pyramid which includes: psychological, safety, love/belonging, esteem and self-actualization.

DEMENSIONS OF WELLNESS: the integration of the states of physical, mental and spiritual well-being which contributes to an individual’s quality of life which include: physical, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and intellectual.

DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH:  the factors that shape individual and community health in the context of experiences living conditions including: education, employment and working conditions, physical environments, biology and genetics, personal health practices and coping skills, healthy child development, health services and social services, social environments, gender, culture, income and social status, and social support networks.

*Personally, I use addiction interchangeable with substance dependence; however this is a bad habit I need to break. I do not think that addiction is an appropriate term for individuals struggling with substance dependence issues however, for the purpose of this assignment I have provided a definition. 

This is my glossary of terms I have collected as of this point in my personal theory development. It is likely that throughout this process additional terms will need to be defined and added to the final glossary list.