acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): An incurable and fatal disease of the body's immune system; the viral agent, HIV, can be sexually transmitted, or can be obtained through the sharing of drug needles.

addiction: A chronic, relapsing disease, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, and by chemical and molecular changes in the brain.

clean: The condition of being "drug-free."

craving: A powerful, often uncontrollable desire.

detoxification: A process allowing the body to rid itself of a drug; often the first step in a drug treatment program.

fentanyl: A heroin analog that can be more than 50 times more potent than heroin.

hepatitis: An inflammation of the liver, which can be contracted through the sharing of drug needles.

methadone: A long-acting synthetic medication shown to be effective in treating heroin addiction.

Narcotics Anonymous: A self-help support program for drug addicts that includes meetings that follow the twelve-step recovery plan.

outpatient...