PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION
A time-limited, intensive, clinical service that is often medically monitored but is a step in intensity below inpatient hospitalization. A patient may participate in clinical services all day long for days to weeks but resides at home. Definitions of levels of care may vary by state.

PEER SUPPORT GROUP
Also known as mutual help organizations, peer support groups are structured non-clinical relationships, in which individuals participate in activities that engage, educate, and support patients recovering from substance use disorder. Peer to peer groups include such organizations as: AA, NA, Smart Recovery, All Recovery groups, LIfeRing, Women for Sobriety, and online forums.

As part of a larger treatment plan, peer providers offer valuable guidance and connection to individuals in recovery through the process of sharing their own experiences in recovery from substance use disorder.

Peer support groups include such organizations as:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
• Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
• Smart Recovery
• All Recovery Groups
• Celebrate Recovery
• LifeRing
• Women For Sobriety
• Other online forums.

For family members and friends peer support groups include:

• Al-Anon
• Nar-Anon
• Learn2Cope
• Other online forums.

PERSON-FIRST LANGUAGE
A linguistic prescription structuring sentences to name the person first and the condition or disease from which they suffer, second. It is recommended to use “person first” language: instead of describing someone as an “addict”, for instance, to describe them as a person with, or suffering from, addiction or a substance use disorder. Person-first language articulates that the disease is a secondary attribute and not the primary characteristic of the individual’s identity.

POTENCY
The degree of concentration of the psychoactive ingredient of a substance.

PRE-AUTHORIZATION
Confirmation of coverage by the insurance company for a service or product before receiving the service or product from the medical provider. This is also known as prior authorization.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSE
(stigma alert) The use of a medication without a prescription or usage of a drug in a way other than as prescribed; or for the experience or euphoric feeling elicited. This term is used interchangeably with “non-medically used psychoactive substance” or “prescription drug abuse”. This term has a stigma alert as the word “misuse” is thought by some people as an expression of negative judgement. Instead, use non-stigmatizing terminology such as “non-medical use of a psychoactive substance.”

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Medications available to consumers only with a specific written authorization from a healthcare provider.

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
A medical insurance term that requires patients and clinicians to seek approval from insurance providers before implementing a treatment service.

PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
An approach to drug policy that is a coordinated, comprehensive effort that balances public health & safety in order to create safer, healthier communities, measuring success by the impact of both drug use & drug policies on the public’s health.