Dependence on, and craving for, a particular drug, for example alcohol, diazepam (a tranquillizer), or heroin. Reducing or stopping intake of the drug may lead to characteristic physiological or psychological symptoms (see withdrawal syndrome), such as tremor or anxiety. (See also alcohol dependence; drug dependence.)
n. a state of *dependence produced either by the habitual taking of drugs or by regularly engaging in certain activities (e.g. gambling). People can develop physical and psychological symptoms of *dependence, which include a strong desire to take the substance or exercise the behaviour, impaired capacity to control such behaviour or substance taking, a physical or psychological *withdrawal state, evidence of *tolerance development, social and mental preoccupation with substance use or the given behaviour, and persistent use despite harmful consequences. Treatment is directed to withdrawal of the drug or behaviour with the aim of partial or total abstinence. See also alcoholism; tolerance.
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