7.5.2. Addiction and Dependence

Because of the perceived benefits, drugs are frequently used repeatedly. The most important thing, which one fails to realise, is the inherent addictive nature of alcohol and drugs. Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being–associated with drugs and alcohol. These drive people to take them even when these are not needed, or even when their use becomes self-destructive.

Addiction refers to the psychological dependence on substances like drugs or alcohol. It means that someone feels a strong compulsion to use these substances because they associate it with feelings like happiness or relief from stress. Even when they know that using these substances is harmful, they continue to use them. Essentially, addiction can be seen as a cycle where the initial pleasurable feeling (euphoria) leads to a repeated use of the substance, despite the negative consequences it may bring.

Think of addiction like a favorite social media app on a smartphone. Initially, using the app brings joy and connection with friends. However, over time, instead of just enjoying it in moderation, a person may find themselves checking it compulsively, ignoring important tasks, and feeling anxious when they are not online. This compulsive behavior mirrors how someone may feel about using drugs or alcohol—the initial joy leads to excessive use, even when it’s harmful.

With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the receptors present in our body increases. Consequently the receptors respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction.

Tolerance is a critical concept in understanding addiction. When someone uses drugs or alcohol repeatedly, their body starts to adapt to the presence of these substances. This adaptation means that the same amount of the drug or alcohol no longer provides the same effect—it requires a larger dose to achieve the same high or feelings of relaxation. This leads individuals to consume even more of the substance, escalating their addiction and dependence.

It's similar to how someone who plays video games may become accustomed to a certain level of difficulty. At first, a particular game level may be challenging, but after repeated play, it becomes easier. To regain that initial challenge and thrill, the player might choose to play on a harder difficulty or add more game elements, making it harder to achieve satisfaction. Similarly, in addiction, the person must increase their dosage to feel the same effects.

Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly discontinued. This is characterised by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating, which may be relieved when use is resumed again.

Dependence is the body's physical reaction to the absence of a substance it has become used to. When someone who is dependent on drugs or alcohol suddenly stops taking them, their body responds negatively, leading to withdrawal symptoms. This can include feelings of anxiety, shakes, nausea, and other distressing sensations. Because these symptoms can be so uncomfortable, many individuals return to using the substance just to alleviate their suffering, which reinforces the cycle of dependence.

Imagine a person who drinks coffee every morning. If they suddenly skip their morning cup, they might experience headaches or irritability throughout the day. This sense of discomfort encourages them to drink coffee to feel better, similar to how an individual returns to drugs or alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Dependence leads the patient to ignore all social norms in order to get sufficient funds to satiate his/her needs. These result in many social adjustment problems.

When a person becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol, their focus often shifts entirely to satisfying their cravings. This obsession can lead them to prioritize obtaining these substances over adhering to societal expectations or responsibilities. They may resort to stealing, lying, or neglecting their personal and professional lives, leading to significant social issues and the deterioration of relationships.

This can be compared to a student who becomes so consumed with their interest in video games that they start skipping school to play, lying to parents about their whereabouts, or failing to complete homework. Their priorities shift dramatically, causing a strain on their relationships and responsibilities, just as an addict might neglect their family or job.

--