development of dependence

Last reviewed 01/2018

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