Clarification and Standardization of Substance Abuse Terminology

Abstract

A four-stage Delphi survey of substance abuse experts was conducted to help achieve greater clarity and uniformity in terminology associated with alcohol and other drug-related problems. This multidisciplinary group of experts was asked to reach a consensus on alcohol and other drug-related terms and definitions. Results produced a list of 50 substance abuse terms deemed important, along with the most agreed on definition for each term.