Physical dependence (or drug dependence) refers to a state resulting from habitual use of a drug, where negative physical withdrawal symptoms result from abrupt discontinuation. Withdrawal, also known as withdrawal/abstinence syndrome, refers to the characteristic signs and symptoms that appear when a drug that causes Physical dependence is [1] From the point of view of the dependent person, "dependence is duress," argues addiction researcher Griffith Edwards. [2]
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Symptoms
Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, sweating, and tremors are common signs of withdrawal. More serious symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and visual hallucinations indicate a serious emergency and the need for immediate medical care. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are the only commonly abused substances that can be fatal in withdrawal. Abrupt withdrawal from other drugs, such as opioids or psychostimulants, can exaggerate mild to moderate neurotoxic side effects due to hyperthermia and generation of free radicals[3], but life-threatening complications are very rare. An opioid is a chemical Substance that has a Morphine -like action in the body A psychostimulant is a substance that enhances locomotor behavior Neurotoxicity occurs when the exposure to natural or artificial toxic substances which are called Neurotoxins alters the normal activity of the Nervous system in Hyperthermia, in its advanced state referred to as heat stroke or sunstroke, is an acute condition which occurs when the Body produces or absorbs more In Chemistry, radicals (often referred to as free radicals) are atoms molecules or ions with Unpaired electrons on an otherwise Open shell
Treatment
Treatment for physical dependence depends upon the drug being withdrawn and often includes administration of another drug, especially for substances that can be dangerous when abruptly discontinued. Treatment usually requires the initiation and then tapering of a medication that has a similar action in the brain but a longer half-life.
Difference from Addiction
Physical dependence is different from drug addiction. Drug addiction is widely considered a pathological state. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute Drug use to the development of drug-seeking The latter is often characterized by a psychological need for a drug, while the former can often be the result of legal, long-term use of medicine. [4]
Drugs that cause physical dependence
- nicotine
- opioids
- barbiturates
- benzodiazepines
- ethyl alcohol (alcoholic beverage)
- GHB
- methaqualone (Quaalude)
- amphetamines
- caffeine
- cocaine
- anticonvulsants/mood stabilizers
- antipsychotics
- antidepressants
References
- ^ Drug Addiction. Nicotine is an Alkaloid found in the Nightshade family of plants ( Solanaceae) which constitutes approximately 0 An opioid is a chemical Substance that has a Morphine -like action in the body Barbiturates are drugs that act as central nervous system Depressants and by virtue of this they produce a wide spectrum of effects from mild Sedation The benzodiazepines (pronounced, often abbreviated to "benzos") are a class of Psychoactive drugs with varying Hypnotic gamma -Hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, GHB, or fantasy is a naturally-occurring substance found in the Central nervous Methaqualone is a Sedative drug which is similar in effect to Barbiturates a general CNS Depressant. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic Cocaine ( benzoylmethyl ecgonine) is a Crystalline Tropane Alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the Coca plant The anticonvulsants, also called antiepileptic drugs (abbreviated "AEDs" are a diverse group of pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of epileptic This article refers to the medication For other uses see Stabilizer. Antipsychotics are a group of Psychoactive drugs commonly but not exclusively used to treat Psychosis, which is typified by Schizophrenia. An antidepressant is a Psychiatric medication used for alleviating major depression or Dysthymia ('milder' depression CNN.
- ^ Griffith Edwards. Alcohol: The World's Favourite Drug. 1st US ed. Thomas Dunne Books: 2002. ISBN 0-312-28387-3. P 72.
- ^ Sharma HS, Sjöquist PO, Ali SF. "Drugs of abuse-induced hyperthermia, blood-brain barrier dysfunction and neurotoxicity: neuroprotective effects of a new antioxidant compound H-290/51. " Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2007;13(18):1903-23. PMID 17584116
- ^ Drug Abuse - Addiction vs. Dependence. Our Chronic Pain Mission.
See also
External links
- Drugs causing physical dependence taken from Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Section 15, Chapter 195" Merck Manual. The term " addiction " is used in many contexts to describe an obsession compulsion or excessive Physical dependence or psychological dependence such as Addiction recovery groups are voluntary associations of people who share a common desire to overcome drug addiction SSRI discontinuation syndrome, also known as SSRI withdrawal syndrome or SSRI cessation syndrome is a Withdrawal syndrome that can occur during or following the interruption Rebound insomnia is Insomnia that occurs following discontinuation of Sedative substances taken to relieve primary insomnia