LAPSE
(stigma alert) A non-technical term, also referred to as a “slip”. It implies a short-term resumption of substance use or heavy/hazardous use (e.g., for a night or a day) that is followed by a return to the original goal of moderate use or abstinence.

This term has a stigma alert due to the term’s potentially moral meanings rooted in morality and religion (e.g. lapse in grace), and implied “accidental” manifestation (e.g. lapse in judgement). Many advocate instead to use the terms “resumed,” or “experienced a recurrence” of substance use or substance use disorder symptoms.

LEVELS OF CARE
Various levels of treatment intensity ranging from weekly outpatient therapy to more intensive medically monitored or medically managed hospitalization. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) have constructed a detailed assessment process based on specific criteria that can provide clinicians with a holistic approach to individualized assessment and placement to the most appropriate level of care along with outcome-driven treatment plans that focus on individualized needs.

LONG TERM RECOVERY
5 years of continued remission; the point at which the risk of meeting criteria for a substance use disorder in the following year is no greater than that of the general population.