Table of Contents
Introduction
In this post, we will explore a list of vocabulary related to addiction. This comprehensive guide includes definitions, collocations, and examples to help you understand and use these terms effectively.
Whether you are learning English or want to expand your vocabulary on this important topic, this drug addiction vocabulary guide will provide you with the necessary tools.
Addiction Vocabulary
1. Addiction
A brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite unfavorable consequences.
Collocations with the word addiction:
- become, turn into addiction:
- “Smoking can easily become an addiction.”
- feed addiction:
- “He stole his mother’s money to feed his destructive addiction.”
- treat, beat, cure, overcome addiction:
- “She was fighting to overcome her addiction.”
- have an addiction to…:
- “He had an addiction to heroin.”
2. Addict
An individual who is addicted to a particular substance or behavior.
Collocations with the word addict:
- cocaine, drug, heroin, computer, television addict:
- “He has become a computer addict.”
3. Other Expressions Related to Addiction
A. Go Cold Turkey
This refers to the abrupt cessation of substance dependence and the resulting unpleasant experience, as opposed to gradually easing the process through reduction over time or by using replacement medication.
Example:
- “I had to go cold turkey.”
B. Dependence on Alcohol, Drugs…
Dependence on an addictive behavior refers to the state of relying on or being controlled by this behavior.
Example:
- “His dependence on sleeping pills is destructive.”
C. Drug Rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation (often drug rehab or just rehab) is the process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency on substances like alcohol, cocaine, heroin, etc. The general intent is to enable the patient to confront substance dependence and cease substance abuse to avoid the psychological, legal, financial, social, and physical consequences that can result from extreme abuse.
Example:
- “A drug rehabilitation program.”
D. Overdose
This refers to an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug.
Collocations with the word overdose:
- large, massive overdose
- drug, heroin, paracetamol… overdose
- fatal, accidental overdose
- take an overdose
- die from/of an overdose
Example:
- “He took a massive overdose of heroin.”
E. Habit
This refers to a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
Collocations with the word habit:
- be in the habit of…
- have the habit of…
- acquire, develop, fall into, form, get into the habit of…
- break (yourself of), get out of, give up the habit of…
- by habit (as in “done by habit”)
- a creature of habit
- the habit of a lifetime
Example:
- “She has the habit of reading before bed.”
F. Withdrawal Symptoms
This refers to the unpleasant physical reaction that accompanies the process of ceasing to take an addictive drug.
Example:
- “A therapy that reduces withdrawal symptoms.”
4. Crime-Related Vocabulary Linked to Addiction
Addiction often intertwines with illegal activities and criminal terminology. Below are some vocabulary items commonly associated with crimes in the context of addiction:
- Trap House
A slang term for a house or location used to sell drugs. - Dealer
A person who illegally sells drugs. - Drug Trafficking
The illegal trade of controlled substances on a large scale. - Pusher
Slang for someone who sells drugs, often directly to users. - Possession
The crime of having illegal drugs on one’s person or property. - Paraphernalia
Tools or equipment used for drug consumption or preparation, such as syringes or pipes. - Narco
A term often used to refer to drug traffickers or members of drug cartels. - Smuggling
The illegal transportation of drugs across borders or into unauthorized areas. - Black Market
The underground economy where drugs are bought and sold illegally. - Street Name
Slang or informal terms used to refer to drugs (e.g., “snow” for cocaine or “weed” for marijuana).
Conclusion
The above vocabulary addiction guide is meant to be used as a resource to enhance your language skills and deepen your knowledge of addiction-related topics.
Understanding the vocabulary related to addiction is crucial for effectively discussing and addressing this complex issue. Familiarize yourself with these terms. This helps you understand the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and contribute to meaningful conversations about treatment and recovery.