Recovery glossary

Recovery services come with a lot of jargon. Here is what the words mean in plain English — no acronyms left unexplained. If something still isn't clear, ask us and we'll walk you through it.

42 CFR Part 2: A federal rule that gives substance use disorder records extra protection beyond HIPAA. In most cases these records cannot be shared without your written consent.
Drop-in center: A welcoming space you can walk into during open hours with no appointment, referral, or insurance. Staff and peers are there to talk, connect you to resources, and offer a safe place to be.
Encounter: A documented interaction between you and a staff member or peer — a check-in, a conversation, a referral, or help with paperwork. Encounters are how we track the support we provide.
HIPAA: The federal health privacy law that limits how your health information is used and shared, and gives you the right to see and request corrections to your records.
Intake: The first conversation where we collect basic information about you and what you need, so we can match you with the right support.
Medication-assisted treatment: FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone used alongside counseling and support. Medication-supported recovery is welcome here.
Peer support: Help offered by someone who has lived through substance use or mental health challenges themselves. It is not clinical treatment — it is one person walking alongside another.
Recovery coach: A trained peer who helps you set recovery goals, navigate treatment and benefits, and stay connected to support. In Pennsylvania this role is often certified as a Certified Recovery Specialist.
Recovery community organization: A nonprofit led by and for people in recovery that offers non-clinical support — meetings, peer services, housing, and advocacy — rather than medical treatment.
Recovery housing: Substance-free shared housing for people rebuilding stability, usually after treatment. Residents follow house guidelines, contribute to the home, and stay connected to recovery supports.
Release of information: A form you sign that gives written permission for us to share specific information with a person or organization you name. You choose what is shared, with whom, and you can revoke it.
Warm handoff: A direct, in-person or on-the-phone introduction to the next provider — instead of just handing you a phone number, someone stays with you until the connection is made.

Questions about your privacy rights? See our Privacy Policy & Notice of Privacy Practices, or call (724)565-5219 during open hours.