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Development of dependence

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The first use of a drug is in one of four contexts - recreational, therapeutic, instrumental or cultural.

Dependence may be physical or psychological, and the problems of drug use are in the following areas - social, psychological, physical, and legal.

The outcome of a use of drugs depends on:-

  • the drug - its availability, form, and its ability to induce reinforcement
  • the individual - curious, rebellious, pleasure-seeking, unhappy or vulnerable types, also the response to the drug, motivation, self view and coping abilities
  • the culture - deprivation, constriants, peer groups, the age of instant gratification

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