Aftercare
Support once a treatment programme ends, such as counselling, groups or check-ins. The first months after rehab are often when it matters most.
Jargon
Rehab comes with its own language, and it can make a hard decision feel harder. Here are the words you're likely to hear from clinics, doctors and helplines, plus the main substances people seek help for, explained in plain English. If a word isn't here, tell us and we'll add it.
A
Alcohol
The most common reason people seek rehab in the UK. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to dependence, and stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal, so detox should be medically supervised.
Amphetamines (speed)
Stimulant drugs that raise energy and alertness. Heavy use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, sleep problems and heart strain.
Assessment
A first conversation with a professional to understand your situation and what kind of help fits. Free through local drug and alcohol services.
B
Behavioural addiction
Addiction to an activity rather than a substance, such as gambling. Many rehabs treat these alongside drug and alcohol problems.
Benzodiazepines (benzos)
Sedative medicines such as diazepam, also used in alcohol detox. They can be addictive themselves, and stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Street benzos may contain other, stronger drugs.
Buprenorphine
A prescribed medicine used to treat opioid dependence, often as an alternative to methadone.
C
Cannabis
A drug made from the cannabis plant, usually smoked or eaten. Heavy use can lead to dependence and, for some people, mental health problems.
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)
A talking therapy that helps you spot and change the thoughts and habits that drive drinking or drug use.
Cocaine
A stimulant drug, usually snorted as a powder. It strains the heart, and mixing it with alcohol adds to the risk.
Community detox
Medically supported withdrawal while living at home, usually arranged by your local service or GP.
CQC (Care Quality Commission)
The regulator for health and care services in England, including residential rehab and detox. You can read any registered provider's inspection report online.
Crack cocaine
A smokable form of cocaine. Its effects are intense and short-lived, which can drive quick, repeated use.
D
Day programme
Structured treatment during the day, going home at night. Also called day rehab.
Delirium tremens (DTs)
A severe, potentially life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal. A medical emergency: call 999.
Detox
Stopping a substance and getting through withdrawal safely, sometimes by reducing it gradually (tapering). For alcohol, benzodiazepines and some other drugs, this should be medically supervised.
Dual diagnosis
Having a mental health condition and an addiction at the same time. Good treatment addresses both together.
F
Family programme
Sessions that help family members understand addiction, rebuild trust and look after themselves. Many rehabs offer one.
G
Gabapentinoids (pregabalin, gabapentin)
Prescription medicines for nerve pain and anxiety that can be misused and cause dependence. Controlled drugs in the UK since 2019. Dangerous when mixed with opioids or alcohol.
GHB and GBL
Sedative drugs, sometimes used in party or chemsex settings. Very easy to overdose on, especially with alcohol, and withdrawal can be severe, so detox needs medical support.
H
Harm reduction
Approaches that reduce the damage from drinking or drug use, even if someone isn't ready to stop. Examples include needle exchanges and naloxone kits.
Heroin
An opioid drug, usually injected or smoked. High risk of overdose, especially as the street supply may contain stronger synthetic opioids. Treated with opioid substitution therapy and support.
I
Inpatient
Treatment where you stay overnight, in a hospital or rehab.
K
L
Lapse
A short slip back into drinking or using. It doesn't have to become a full relapse.
M
MDMA (ecstasy)
A stimulant drug that raises mood and energy. Risks include overheating, dehydration and, with regular use, low mood.
Medical detox
Detox supervised by doctors or nurses, often with medication, to keep withdrawal safe.
Methadone
A prescribed medicine used to treat opioid dependence, taken daily in a controlled way.
Methamphetamine (crystal meth, yaba)
A powerful stimulant. In Thailand it's common as yaba tablets. Heavy use can cause psychosis, severe dental and heart problems, and strong dependence.
N
Naloxone
A medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Free kits are available from many UK drug services and pharmacies.
Nitazenes
Very strong synthetic opioids found in parts of the UK illicit drug supply, sometimes mixed into heroin or fake pills. They greatly raise overdose risk.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
A gas inhaled from balloons or canisters. Heavy use can cause nerve damage through vitamin B12 deficiency. Illegal to possess for its effects in the UK since 2023.
O
Opioids
A group of drugs including heroin and prescription painkillers such as codeine, tramadol and oxycodone. They cause strong dependence and, in overdose, can stop breathing.
Opioid substitution therapy (OST)
Treating opioid dependence with prescribed methadone or buprenorphine, to reduce harm and support recovery.
Outpatient
Treatment you attend while living at home, from weekly sessions to several days a week.
P
Primary treatment
The first, most intensive stage of rehab, usually residential and often around 28 days. It covers detox if needed, daily therapy and building the foundations of recovery.
R
Referral fee
Money a clinic pays a website or helpline for sending it clients. The Rehab Index never takes them.
Relapse
A return to regular drinking or drug use after a period of recovery. Common, and not a sign that treatment has failed. Relapse prevention is the skills and plans that help you spot warning signs and stay well.
Residential rehab
Treatment where you live on site for a set period, usually several weeks, with daily therapy and support.
S
Secondary treatment
A step-down stage after primary treatment. You have more independence and focus on rebuilding everyday life, with therapy continuing. Often lasts weeks to months.
Self-referral
Contacting a service yourself, without needing a GP referral.
SMART Recovery
A free peer support programme using practical, science-based tools, an alternative to the 12 steps.
Sober living
Shared housing for people in recovery, with house rules and support.
Spice (synthetic cannabinoids)
Man-made chemicals designed to act like cannabis but often far stronger and unpredictable. Can cause severe reactions and strong dependence.
Sponsor (12-step)
A more experienced member of a fellowship such as AA or NA who supports someone newer through the steps. Separate from advertising on this site.
T
Tertiary treatment
A third stage after secondary treatment, usually supported living with more freedom, such as working, studying or volunteering, while keeping some structure and support.
Tier 4
A UK term for specialist treatment such as residential rehab and inpatient detox, used by councils and the NHS when deciding funded places.
Twelve-step programme (12-step)
The recovery approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and many rehabs, built around twelve guiding steps and peer support.
W
Withdrawal
The physical and mental symptoms when you cut down or stop a substance your body depends on. Alcohol, benzodiazepine and GHB withdrawal can be dangerous without medical support.
Still not sure what something means? Ask your local service, a helpline, or the provider directly. A good provider will always explain.
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