Learn the terms associated with drug use and treatment, and the laws pertaining to drugs and alcohol.
Use & Treatment
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY DISORDER
A brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain’s structure and how it communicates.
BINGE DRINKING
Drinking large amounts of alcohol for an extended period of time. Binges can last from a few hours to a few days or even weeks. Alcohol affects everyone differently, but a general guideline is more than 5 drinks on one occasion constitutes binge drinking.
DEPENDENCE
When the brain has adapted to the presence of a substance and can’t function normally without the drug’s presence.
DETOX
The process of clearing drugs or alcohol from your body, often in a hospital or treatment setting. Detoxification has side effects and is usually uncomfortable or sometimes painful.
MISUSE
When a person use a substance in an unhealthy or irresponsible way. Misuse can occur at any age.
OVERDOSE
Taking too much of a substance. Overdosing can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
RECOVERY
The time period after addiction treatment when an individual remains free from the disease.
RELAPSE
When a previously addicted person suffers from another period of addiction after using a substance again. Relapses are common with addiction because of the way the substance changes the brain’s communication systems.
SOBER
When an individual does not use alcohol or other drugs.
TREATMENT / REHABILITATION
The process of counseling an individual to gain control over his/her impulses to use substances and establishing alternative coping skills. Treatment can be on an inpatient basis – where the individual lives at the facility – or on an outpatient basis – where the individual visits the facility on a schedule.
Substances
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Ecstasy (Molly)
- Lsd & Hallucinogens
- Vapor Pens
- Hookah
- Caffeine
- Cigars
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Steroids & Performance Enhancing Drugs (Peds)
- Cannabis (Marijuana)
- Cocaine/Crack
- Heroin
- Opioids & Prescription Medication
- Chew / Dip
- E-Cigarettes
Legal terms & information
A person must be 21 years or older to legally consume alcohol anywhere in the state of illinois.
A person must be given permission and hold a permit to legally use medicinal cannabis in the state of illinois.
A person must be 18 years or older to legally consume tobacco and nicotine products in the state of illinois, but some cities have raised the age to 21.
Blood alcohol content (bac)
The level of alcohol in someone’s blood after drinking. Everyone processes alcohol in their bodies differently, so bac is difficult to calculate without a breathalyzer.
Controlled substance
A drug that is federally illegal under certain conditions. Some controlled substances are federally illegal at all times like heroin, cocaine, or cannabis.
Driving under the influence (dui)
Operating a moving vehicle with alcohol or other drugs in your system. These laws are not limited to cars and can apply to bicycles, golf carts, motorcycles, etc.
Drug paraphanalia
Items used to prepare, smoke, or consume drugs.
Social host ordinance
Law holding parents and property owners responsible for minors drinking on their property. This law also holds parents/guardians/ and property owners responsible for any bodily or property damage done by a minor who drank on their property.
Unlawful consumption
Drinking or ingesting drugs or alcohol illegally.
Unlawful possession
Having illegal drugs or alcohol in your hands, pockets, car, purse or other personal belongings.