Talk the Talk: Medical Terminology Defined

If you or someone you know has a problem with substance abuse, you have likely consulted a physician about health concerns related to the addiction. Because addictions don't resolve themselves overnight, it will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the terminology that your doctor might use when talking to you about the problem.

Agonist therapy: Also called replacement therapy, agonist therapy treats dependence on a substance by replacing it with one that has similar effects. For example, two common drugs used in opiate replacement therapy are Suboxone and Methadone.

Blood-brain barrier: The Central Nervous System (see definition below) has a built-in barrier that stops certain chemicals from transitioning from the blood to the neural tissue. This is the blood-brain barrier. Many extremely addictive substances like heroin can cross this barrier and act directly on the brain.

Central Nervous System (CNS): The CNS comprises the spinal cord and the brain, which, together, are part of the larger nervous system. Many substances can have an effect on the CNS. For example, opiates depress the CNS whereas cocaine, by contrast, is a CNS stimulant.

Cirrhosis: A healthy liver cleans the body of toxins, assists in the digestion of foods, controls infections by producing immune agents, and makes proteins. Cirrhosis occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which inhibits the liver from function as it should. The complications of cirrhosis (including jaundice, liver cancer, gallstones, and toxin build-up in the body or brain) cause thousands of deaths annually. Symptoms of cirrhosis include weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Delirium tremens: Though it can also be caused illness, infection, or head trauma, delirium tremens is a potential withdrawal symptom when an individual discontinues use of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or alcohol. It is one of the most severe potential withdrawal symptoms. When an alcoholic starts to go through withdrawal, they may experience any of the following symptoms: chest pain, stomach pain, anxiety, depression, palpitations, sweating, vomiting, fever, pale skin, headache, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness. During delirium tremens, an alcoholic may experience seizures, sensitivity to light, hallucinations, delirium, and other mental status changes.

Dependence: Dependence is one of the diagnostic criteria for addiction and can be subdivided into physical and psychological dependence. An individual who is dependent on a substance requires regular doses of the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms (see definition below). Physical dependence results in physical withdrawal symptoms whereas psychological dependence produces psychological withdrawal symptoms. Both types of dependence may be present though it is possible to find one without the other.

Dopaminergic system: The dopaminergic system is the brain's reward system, and it plays a crucial role in the development of psychological dependence. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and a hormone, and there are a number of receptors for dopamine in the brain. When an addict consumes certain substances, the brain is sent a positive signal of “good,” and the individual becomes addicted to this signal.

Dual diagnosis: Dual diagnosis occurs when addiction to alcohol or drugs is paired with another form of mental illness such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, which may occur among veterans.

Neurotoxicity: Neurotoxicity occurs when nervous system tissue has been damaged as a result of toxic substances, both natural and artificial. Neurotoxicity depends on the substance and the dosage, as well as other factors. Neurotoxic substances can be found in some illicit drugs and some prescription medications.

Neurotransmitter: A neurotransmitter is a type of chemical that helps to convey a message between neurons (a nervous system cell, including those in the brain) and other types of cells. Many of the most commonly abused substances act on neurotransmitters by modifying the way signals are conveyed between cells.

Tolerance: Tolerance occurs when a user requires greater and/or more frequent doses of a substance to achieve the same effect as the original use.

Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms occur when an individual who is physically or psychologically dependent on a substance like alcohol or drugs discontinues use. Depending on the substance and the extent of the addiction, withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, depression, insomnia, hallucinations, seizures, bone pain, cold sweats, nausea, and vomiting.

See also:

• 10 Questions for a Rehab Center
• Substance Abuse Treatment Options
• Withdrawal and Detox: Get the Facts