NCJ Number
109847
Date Published
1986
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This booklet helps readers understand the difference between drug use and drug dependency, how dependency develops, why it strikes one person and not another, and how to get help.
Abstract
Chemical dependency is defined as addiction to one or more drugs that can include prescription drugs, 'street' drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and socially accepted drugs. Biochemical, psychological, and environmental factors can combine to create chemical dependency. Drugs variously affect people according to their biological characteristics; e.g., persons with a biochemical imbalance that stimulates depression may attempt to rectify the imbalance with excessive drug use. There is also strong evidence that alcoholism is hereditary. Psychologically, persons addicted to drugs may be unable to cope with their emotions without drug consumption. Environmental factors include peer pressure, parental modeling, and the influence of religious and cultural values. The primary difference between an abusive user and an addicted one is loss of control. Addiction occurs when the drug user is unable to predict consistently when he will stop using the drug or how much he will use. The booklet concludes with suggestions for support and treatment resources for those addicted to drugs. A list of questions is provided to help persons identify whether or not they are chemically dependent. A list of national organizations to contact for more information and 5 recommended readings.