Psychological dependence
It will be perceived that at the core of the definition of
drug dependence lies psychic or psychological
dependence upon the drug. This is a ‘feeling of satisfaction
and a psychic drive that requires periodic or
continuous administration of the drug to produce
pleasure or to avoid discomfort’
. This precise but dry definition conveys nothing of what it is like to be severely psychologically dependent upon a drug.
Eloquently described by those experiencing it as ‘the drug calling to them’ or as ‘always a little geyser in there, hammering away at you to take it’,
This psychic drive to obtain and to take the drug is often dismissed by those who have not experienced it as a manifestation of ‘weak will’ or as evidence of a lack of motivation to stop.
Nothing could be further from the truth; psychological dependence is an overriding compulsion to take the drug even in the certain knowledge that it is harmful, and whatever the consequences of the method of obtaining it.
Craving and drug-seeking behaviour
Craving is a fundamental component of psychological dependence and implies a constant preoccupation with the drug with intrusive thoughts and obsessive thinking about everything to do with it – particularly its desired effects and the need to obtain it. This in turn may be translated into action in the form of drug-seeking behaviour, which may involve literally searching for drugs, different activities, both legal and illegal, to obtain money to buy them, identifying the source of supply, purchasing, etc. When craving is severe, drug-seeking behaviour dominates daily activity.
. This precise but dry definition conveys nothing of what it is like to be severely psychologically dependent upon a drug.
Eloquently described by those experiencing it as ‘the drug calling to them’ or as ‘always a little geyser in there, hammering away at you to take it’,
This psychic drive to obtain and to take the drug is often dismissed by those who have not experienced it as a manifestation of ‘weak will’ or as evidence of a lack of motivation to stop.
Nothing could be further from the truth; psychological dependence is an overriding compulsion to take the drug even in the certain knowledge that it is harmful, and whatever the consequences of the method of obtaining it.
Craving and drug-seeking behaviour
Craving is a fundamental component of psychological dependence and implies a constant preoccupation with the drug with intrusive thoughts and obsessive thinking about everything to do with it – particularly its desired effects and the need to obtain it. This in turn may be translated into action in the form of drug-seeking behaviour, which may involve literally searching for drugs, different activities, both legal and illegal, to obtain money to buy them, identifying the source of supply, purchasing, etc. When craving is severe, drug-seeking behaviour dominates daily activity.
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