Glossary

Addiction treatment terms in plain language.

Definitions that help families and patients understand levels of care, insurance terms, and recovery planning.

Understanding treatment terminology

Treatment and insurance terminology can be confusing and intimidating. Acronyms like PHP, IOP, and MAT are used constantly by clinical staff and insurance companies, but rarely explained to the families and individuals who need to understand them most. This glossary defines the terms you are most likely to encounter during the treatment process — from your first call to our admissions team through discharge and aftercare planning.

Each definition is written in plain language with enough clinical context to be useful without being overwhelming. We include how each term relates to the broader treatment process and why it matters for your specific situation. If you encounter a term that is not listed here, call our admissions team and we will explain it in real time.

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Medical Detox

Clinically supervised withdrawal stabilization using medication, monitoring, and comfort-first protocols. Medical detox addresses the physical dependence on substances—alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and others—under 24/7 nursing and physician oversight. Detox alone is not treatment; it is the gateway to the therapeutic work that follows in inpatient, residential, or outpatient care.

Dual Diagnosis

Integrated treatment addressing both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously. When depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder co-occur with substance use, treating only the addiction significantly increases relapse risk. Dual diagnosis care integrates psychiatric support and addiction therapy in a single, coordinated treatment plan.

PHP

Partial Hospitalization Program — day-level clinical intensity without overnight residence. PHP typically involves 6+ hours of programming per day, 5–6 days per week. Clients attend during the day and return home or to sober living each evening. PHP serves as a step-down from inpatient or residential, bridging the gap between immersive care and outpatient independence.

IOP

Intensive Outpatient Program — structured therapy sessions with flexible scheduling around daily life. IOP typically involves 3–5 sessions per week, approximately 3 hours per session. Clients can maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while receiving structured clinical care. IOP is the workhorse of addiction treatment for clients stepping down from higher levels or entering at this intensity.

MAT

Medication-Assisted Treatment — FDA-approved medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapy. For opioid use disorder, MAT includes buprenorphine and naltrexone. For alcohol use disorder, it includes naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. MAT reduces cravings, prevents overdose, and improves long-term outcomes when paired with behavioral therapy.

Preauthorization

Insurer approval required before certain services can begin, typically verified by the admissions team. Many plans require preauthorization for inpatient, residential, and sometimes PHP. The treatment provider submits clinical documentation to the insurer, who approves or denies based on medical necessity. Our admissions team initiates and manages this process.

Step-Down Care

Planned transition from higher to lower levels of care as clinical milestones are met. Step-down might move from detox to inpatient, inpatient to residential, residential to PHP, PHP to IOP, and IOP to outpatient. The goal is gradual reduction in structure matched to demonstrated stability—never abrupt discharge to zero support.

Continuum of Care

The full range of treatment levels from detox through aftercare, designed to support sustained recovery. A continuum allows clients to move through levels without losing momentum. Gaps in care increase relapse risk; continuity is essential for long-term outcomes.

ASAM Criteria

The American Society of Addiction Medicine's multidimensional assessment framework for matching clients to the appropriate level of care. The criteria evaluate withdrawal risk, medical conditions, psychiatric needs, readiness to change, relapse potential, and recovery environment. Our admissions team uses ASAM to recommend the right starting level.

Sober Living

A substance-free residence where peers hold each other accountable. Sober living homes typically require abstinence, participation in recovery activities, and adherence to house rules. They provide structure and community for clients transitioning from treatment to independent living. RVK connects clients with sober housing when appropriate.

Relapse Prevention

Skill-based planning to reduce the risk of return to use. Relapse prevention includes identifying triggers, building coping strategies, mapping support networks, and creating crisis plans. It is a core component of treatment at every level and continues long after discharge.

Family Therapy

Therapeutic sessions that include the client and one or more family members, facilitated by a licensed family therapist. Family therapy addresses communication patterns, boundary setting, and understanding addiction as a family disease. Research shows that family involvement improves treatment retention and long-term outcomes.

Trauma-Informed Care

An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on addiction and creates conditions that support healing rather than retraumatization. Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. It does not force trauma processing before the client is ready.

Naloxone

A medication that reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors. Naloxone (brand name Narcan) can be administered as a nasal spray or injection. We provide naloxone to clients and families and teach overdose recognition and response. Having naloxone saves lives.