Recovery Resource Center
Recovery glossary
Use this page when a treatment, sober-living, mental-health, family-support, or faith-related term needs a plain explanation before you keep reading.
How to use it
Start with the word that is slowing you down.
Definitions stay plain, practical, and connected to deeper articles when you need more context than a short answer can provide.
Good to know
- The glossary explains terms. It does not replace assessment, therapy, medical care, or detox guidance.
- Definitions here are educational and not individualized clinical advice.
- Use the related article links when a short definition is not enough for the decision in front of you.
Popular starting points
A
Treatment planning
Addiction assessment
An addiction assessment is a structured conversation used to understand substance use history, withdrawal risk, mental-health concerns, safety issues, treatment history, and what level of care may be appropriate next. It is not only paperwork. It helps clarify urgency, fit, and what support may be needed now.
Also searched as: assessment, screening
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C
Treatment planning
Clinical assessment
A clinical assessment is a structured review of symptoms, substance-use patterns, safety concerns, mental-health needs, treatment history, medications, functioning, and risk so the next step can be planned more accurately. It is educational to learn about, but the real process should be individualized.
Also searched as: clinical evaluation
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Treatment planning
Continuing care
Continuing care refers to the ongoing support that helps sustain recovery after the first phase of treatment. It often overlaps with aftercare and may include therapy, medication management, peer support, recovery housing, or periodic reassessment.
Also searched as: step-down care, ongoing care
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