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Reference Guide

Alcoholism & Addiction Dictionary

Comprehensive A-Z reference guide to alcoholism, addiction, treatment, and recovery terms with links to detailed articles.

About This Dictionary

This comprehensive dictionary provides clear, medically accurate definitions for terms related to alcoholism, addiction, treatment, and recovery. Each entry links to detailed articles with evidence-based information reviewed by addiction specialists.

A

A

Alcohol Addiction

Chronic disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use despite harmful consequences

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Alcohol Detox

Medical process of safely removing alcohol from the body

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Alcohol Intoxication

Physiological state resulting from alcohol consumption affecting cognitive and motor functions

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Alcohol Rehab

Structured treatment program for alcohol use disorder

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Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Medical diagnosis for problematic alcohol use patterns

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Alcohol Withdrawal

Physical and psychological symptoms when reducing or stopping alcohol use

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Alcohol-Related Diseases

Medical conditions caused or worsened by alcohol consumption

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AUDIT Test

World Health Organization screening tool for alcohol use problems

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C

C

Co-Occurring Disorders

Mental health conditions existing alongside substance use disorders

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D

D

Drug Addiction

Chronic disease involving compulsive drug seeking and use despite consequences

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Drinking and Driving

Operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol consumption

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F

F

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Range of effects from prenatal alcohol exposure

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H

H

How to Get Sober

Practical steps for achieving and maintaining sobriety

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How to Stop Drinking

Strategies and resources for quitting alcohol

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I

I

Intervention

Structured conversation to help someone accept treatment

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P

P

Pregnancy and Alcohol

Risks and effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy

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S

S

Substance Use Disorder

Medical condition involving problematic use of substances including alcohol and drugs

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T

T

Treatment Options

Various approaches and programs for treating alcohol use disorder

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U

U

Underage Drinking

Alcohol consumption by individuals under legal drinking age

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