NALOXONE
An opioid antagonist, similar to Naltrexone, that works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, thereby blocking the effects of opioid agonists (e.g., heroin, morphine). Naloxone has poor bio-availability when taken sublingually. Naloxone has a high affinity to the mu opioid receptor, yet not as high of an affinity as buprenorphine at the mu receptor. Brand name: Narcan.

NAR-ANON
Nar-Anon is a mutual help organization or peer support group for people who have been affected by a loved one’s drug use disorder. Groups are based on 12-step principles and practices and have attendees share stories and build supportive networks to help cope with the difficulties of having a loved one with a drug use disorder.

NARCOTIC
Originally, narcotic referred to psychoactive compounds with sleep inducing properties (typically opioids such as heroin). In moderate doses, narcotics will dull the senses, relieve pain, and induce sleep. In large doses, narcotics will cause stupor, coma, and death.

Today however, narcotic is often used in a legal context, where narcotic is used generally to refer to illegal or illicit substances.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Born out of the principles, practices, and structure of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous is an international fellowship for individuals with problematic drug use. NA is a nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical organization that is open to all ages, offering meetings in over 100 countries. NA is a 12-step program that revolves around its main text, known as the Basic Text.

NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME (NAS)
A post-natal withdrawal syndrome inherited by children exposed to substances, most often opioids, during pregnancy. Babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome are more likely to suffer from low birthweight, breathing problems, feeding problems, seizures, or birth defects.

NETWORK (IN-NETWORK, OUT-OF-NETWORK)

• In Network: The group of physicians, hospitals and other medical care professionals that a managed care plan has contracted with to deliver medical and/or behavioral health services to its members.
• Out-of-Network: Physicians, hospitals, facilities and other health care providers that are not contracted with the plan or insurer to provide health care services at discounted rates. Depending on an individual’s plan, expenses incurred by services provided by out-of-plan health care professionals may not be covered or may be only partially covered.

NICOTINE
A toxic colorless or yellowish oily liquid that is the chief active constituent of tobacco. It acts as a stimulant in small doses, but in larger amounts blocks the action of autonomic nerve and skeletal muscle cells acting as a depressant.