| TYPES OF DEPENDENCE |
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| The addictive nature of drugs varies from substance to substance, and from individual to individual. Drug and alcohol addiction has two components: physical dependency and psychological dependency. Physical dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the body has become accustomed to its effects. The person must then continue to use the drug in order to feel normal or its absence will trigger the symptoms of withdrawal. Psychological dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the mind has become emotionally reliant on its effects, either to elicit pleasure or relieve pain, and does not feel capable of functioning without it. Its absence produces intense cravings, which are often brought on or magnified by stress. A dependent person may have either aspects of dependency, but often has both. |
Alcoholism Cocaine/Crack Crystal Meth/Meth Painkillers Heroin Marijuana Nicotine