Understanding Dependence I Types of Dependence I Identifying Dependence and its Effects

Drug and alcohol dependence can be described as a compulsion to continue drinking or taking a drug in order to feel good or to avoid feeling bad. When this is done to avoid physical discomfort or withdrawal, it is known as physical dependence; when it has a psychological aspect (the need for stimulation or pleasure, or to escape reality) then it is known as psychological dependence.

Physical dependence results from the repeated, heavy use of drugs like heroin, tranquillisers and alcohol. Heavy and continual use of these drugs can change the body chemistry so that if someone does not get a repeat dose they suffer physical withdrawal symptoms - the shakes, flu like effects, etc. They have to keep taking the drug just to stop themselves from feeling ill.

Psychological dependence is more common and can happen with any drug. In this case people get into the drug experience as a way of coping with the world or as a way of feeling OK. They feel they could not cope without drugs even though they may not be physically dependent.

You can become psychologically dependent on just about anything - chocolate, gambling, playing computer games, sex, working out or even another person. If any activity becomes more important to you than everything else - school or college work, job, family or friends – you may want to seriously consider a change.

Dependence will often include both physical and psychological factors. While the physical aspect will only be present with certain drugs, a psychological aspect will occur with any form of dependence. With certain drugs – and particularly stimulant drugs such as cocaine, crack, amphetamine and the nicotine in cigarettes – there is debate over the extent that physical dependence occurs.

Addiction means that a large part of a person's life is devoted to buying and taking drugs and/or drinking alcohol. The terms addiction and addict, however, conjure up all sorts of negative images of people and dehumanise those it is applied to. We are committed to challenging these and we believe strongly in the power of the individual, with appropriate treatment and support, to make real and lasting changes in their life.