ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the terminology that will be used throughout this book. Some commonly used classifications and diagnostic criteria are also outlined. Ambiguity and confusion abound in the field of substance abuse because of the widespread use of the same term to mean many things. A person who abuses a drug means different things to a law enforcement officer, a physician, and a court trying the person for a crime allegedly committed under the influence of that drug. A glossary is provided as an appendix to this book for easy reference.
