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