GLOSSARIES

• Jurisdiction: Australia

Glossary of medical and scientific terms

addiction — synonymous with dependence.

analgesia — pain-killing properties of certain drugs (eg, opioids).

anaesthetic — a drug capable of inducing loss of sensation and consciousness.

antagonist — a drug which blocks the effect of another.

anti-convulsant — a drug which prevents fits or seizures.

brain damage — permanent or semi-permanent alteration to the structure and/or function of the brain.

central nervous system (CNS) — the brain and spinal cord.

coma — a state of unconsciousness from which the person cannot be awakened.

cross-dependence — the ability of one drug to prevent withdrawal caused by cessation of use of another; occurs because the two have similar actions.

cross-tolerance — the ability of one drug to reduce the effect of a second as a result of repeated administration.

delerium tremens (DTs) — the latter phase of severe alcohol withdrawal, characterised by pronounced tremor, confusion, agitation, delusions and hallucinations.

delusion — a false belief.

dependence — a state in which a user's life becomes oriented around drug-taking; includes adaptations to the drug (tolerance and physical dependence) as well as behavioural changes (eg prioritising drug use over other activities).

disinhibition...