GLOSSARY

Codeine

Opiate with relatively low potency often prescribed for minor pain.

Depressant

Drugs that tend to suppress central nervous system activity.

Euphoric High

Feelings of intense elation and pleasure from drug use.

Hallucinogen

A class of drugs that results in profound alterations in sensory and perceptual experiences, often with vivid hallucinations.

Methadone

Synthetic opioid that is less euphorogenic than heroin and similar drugs; used to manage withdrawal symptoms in opiate users.

Methadone Clinic

A clinic that provides treatment with methadone for opioid dependence.

Opiate/opioid

A category of drugs that has strong analgesic properties; includes heroin, morphine, methadone, and codeine.

Physical dependence

Changes in normal bodily functions that cause a drug user to experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.

Psychoactive drugs

Chemical substances that alter brain functioning, causing changes to consciousness, perception, mood, and thoughts.

Psychological dependence

Emotional need for a drug used to relieve psychological distress.

Stimulant

Drug that tends to increase overall levels of neural activity; includes caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine.

Tolerance

State of requiring increasing quantities of the drug to gain the desired effect.

Withdrawal

Variety of negative symptoms experienced when use is discontinued.