Substance Abuse Glossary

noun a drug containing opium or its derivatives, used in medicine for inducing sleep and relieving pain

adjective relating to or resembling opium

• The doctor prescribed an opiate to manage the patient's pain.
• I heard that opiate is really strong stuff, be careful with it.
• Some people abuse opiates to get high.
• Music is like an opiate for the soul, it can soothe and heal in ways nothing else can.

noun a type of drug that includes prescription pain relievers, synthetic opioids, and heroin

• The patient was prescribed an opioid for pain management after the surgery.
• The doctor gave me some opioids for my back pain.
• I heard some people are abusing opioids to get high.
• The opioid crisis has been a major concern for public health officials.

adjective addicted is an adjective that describes someone who is physically or mentally dependent on a particular substance or activity.

• The patient has developed an addiction to prescription painkillers.
• She's completely addicted to that new TV series.
• He's totally hooked on playing video games all day.
• She's addicted to the thrill of taking risks.