Essential features of Drug Dependence syndrome.

Continuation of pervious blog…
I my previous blog I have given information about drug Dependency and its components that is Psychological dependence and Physical dependence. Now I will take this to a step further…
Psychological and physical dependence do not always go together. A person may be psychologically dependent on a drug but may not show any evidence of physical dependence.

Certain drugs like
1. Hallucinogens and cannabis produce minimal physical dependence despite chronic use. However, psychological dependence on these drugs may be very strong.
2. On the other hand, many drugs which are used therapeutically like antihypertensive, steroids produce physical dependence on prolonged used.

Essential features of Drug Dependence syndrome.

It should be understood that not all these features are present for all substances or in all the persons who show dependence syndrome. However at least 3 of them are seen in a person.
1.Tolerance , as defined by either of the following:
·A need for markedly increased amounts of the
substance to achieve intoxication or desire
effect.
·Markedly diminished effect with continued use of
the same amount of the substance.
2.Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the
following:
·A characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the
substance.
·The same or a closely related substance is taken
to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. The substance is often taken in large mounts or
over a longer period than was intended.
4. There is persistent desire or unsuccessful
efforts to cut down or control substance use.
5. A great deal of times is spent in activities
necessary to obtain the substance, use the
substance or recover from its effects.
6. Important social, occupational or recreational
activities are given up or reduced because of
substance use.
7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge
of having a persistent or recurrent physical or
psychological problem that is likely to have been
caused on exacerbated by the substance.

This blog will continue…
In next blog.
1 Factors contributing to substance dependence.
2.Substances of abuse and Dependence.