ADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE

Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being – associated with drugs and alcohol.

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

Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly discontinued.

Withdrawal syndrome is characterised by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating.