Addiction Glossary: Rehab Words Explained
This glossary explains common words you may hear when looking for addiction treatment, in plain language. If anything is unclear, call our team on 0706 466 150 — we are happy to explain.
Last updated: 3 November 2026
What do common rehab terms mean?
- Addiction
- A condition where a person keeps using alcohol or drugs even though it is harming their health, relationships or work, and finds it very hard to stop.
- Aftercare
- Support after leaving residential treatment, such as follow-up counselling and a relapse-prevention plan, to help the person stay well at home.
- Assessment
- A conversation with a professional to understand a person's substance use, health and situation, so the right treatment plan can be made.
- Craving
- A strong urge or desire to drink or use a drug.
- Dependence
- When the body or mind has adjusted to a substance so that the person feels unwell or unable to cope without it.
- Detox (detoxification)
- The process of the body clearing alcohol or drugs. Medically supervised detox means doctors and nurses monitor and manage withdrawal safely.
- Dual diagnosis
- When a person has both a substance use problem and a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, at the same time.
- Family therapy
- Counselling sessions that include family members, to understand addiction, rebuild trust and support recovery together.
- Group therapy
- Counselling in a small group led by a counsellor, where people in recovery share experiences and learn from each other.
- Inpatient (residential) rehab
- Treatment where the person lives at the centre for the length of the programme.
- Intervention
- A planned, caring conversation where family or friends ask a loved one to accept treatment.
- Outpatient rehab
- Treatment where the person lives at home and attends sessions on a schedule.
- Relapse
- Returning to drinking or drug use after a period of not using. It is common in recovery and a sign to get more support.
- Relapse-prevention plan
- A personal plan listing triggers, warning signs, coping skills and people to call, made before leaving treatment.
- Sobriety
- Living without using alcohol or drugs.
- Tolerance
- Needing more of a substance to get the same effect as before.
- Trigger
- A person, place, feeling or situation that makes someone want to drink or use drugs.
- Withdrawal
- Physical and emotional symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, anxiety or poor sleep, that can happen when someone stops or cuts down a substance they depend on.
What are the next steps?
Read how rehab admission works, what affects rehab fees, or contact our admissions team in confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between detox and rehab?
Detox is the process of the body clearing alcohol or drugs, ideally under medical supervision. Rehab is the wider treatment that follows, including counselling, family therapy and aftercare.
What does dual diagnosis mean?
Dual diagnosis means a person has both a substance use problem and a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, at the same time.
Is relapse a sign that treatment failed?
No. Relapse is common in recovery and is a signal to get more support and adjust the relapse-prevention plan.