Addict: “a person who is devoted to or obsessed by an activity, habit, or substance” (dictionary.com). The original meaning of addiction was “voluntary slavery” and it did not become associated with drugs until 100 years ago (notes from presentation by Bruce Alexander, July 2004). There are many different kinds of addictions (money, sex, television, coffee) and there would still be addiction if there were no drugs. In this report the word “addicts” usually refers to people who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.
Cocaine: “a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant… It is both a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant… It gives a feeling to what has been described as a euphoric sense of happiness and increased energy.” (Wikipedia)
Crystal Meth is methamphetamine hydrochloride, the street form of the drug methamphetamine that comes in clear, chunky crystals and is heated and smoked (Facts on Crystal Meth, CBC Fifth Estate, http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/darkcrystal/facts.html )
Drug Users: I use the term “drug users” to describe people who use drugs when it is not important to distinguish how they take the drugs (for example, by injection or smoking). Some of the literature refers specifically to injection drug users, or IDU’s. One of the focus groups, the UpWords Editorial team, is composed of people who use stimulant drugs. They feel it is important to make this distinction and explain why on page 47.
Opiates: A medication or illegal drug that is either derived from the opium poppy, or that mimics the effect of an opiate (a synthetic opiate). Opiate drugs are narcotic sedatives that depress activity of the central nervous system, reduce pain, and induce sleep. Side effects may include over sedation, nausea, and constipation. (Treatment Solutions 411: http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com/dictionary.aspx). Examples: heroin, morphine or codeine.
Stimulants are drugs that temporarily increase alertness and awareness. They usually have increased side-effects with increased effectiveness, and the more powerful variants are therefore often prescription medicines or illegal drugs. Examples: cocaine and methamphetines (Crystal Meth) (Wikipedia).
Street-involved: People who are street-involved often support themselves on the street (for example, by working in the sex trade or buying, selling and bartering licit and illicit goods). They may also live on the street, socialize there and engage in street culture, temptations and risks.
Survival Sex work: Anyone who can’t exercise their right to refuse performing sexual acts for food, shelter, drugs, money or other survival necessities” (Living In Community, p. 36).