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Alcohol & Drug Dependence
By definition, dependence is made up of three types of symptoms: cognitive, behavioral and physiological. With repeated use, a person may develop tolerance to the drug, withdrawal symptoms and compulsive use. For dependent users, getting and using the drug becomes more and more important – even if they want to cut back or stop, of if they suffer negative consequences because of their use.
Alcohol
Weighing the benefits and risks of alcohol use is a balancing act. You may read one article about the heart benefits of a glass of red wine. Then, you read another article claiming too much alcohol increases your risk of cancer. For most adults, drinking small amounts of alcohol is safe. Moderate to heavy drinking, however, can increase your risk for both physical and mental health conditions, as well as social problems.
A standard drink contains about half an ounce of pure alcohol. A 12 ounce can of beer, five ounces of wine and one mixed drink have about the same amounts of alcohol. Here are the recommended guidelines for safe alcohol consumption:
- Women: No more than three standard drinks each day/seven each week
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Men: No more than four standard drinks each day/14 each week
Be aware of your drinking habits. At-risk drinking increases your health risks and can, over a period of time, lead to alcohol dependence.
Drug Abuse and Dependence
People can become dependent on or addicted to many different types of drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, pain pills and sedatives. Addiction is a complex brain disease that develops over time and is characterized by:
- Craving
- Physical dependency
- Continued use despite negative consequences
Drug dependence may result in significant and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Experimenting with any drugs is dangerous, especially for children and adolescents. For example, people who use nicotine during their teen years are more likely to use other illegal drugs later on.
Just because a drug is legal does not mean it is safe to use. Even a legal medication prescribed by your doctor can become a problem if over-used or abused. This is the fastest growing area of drug abuse, especially for teenagers. If your doctor prescribes a medication that could lead to dependence, take the medication exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor right away if you feel the need to take more than prescribed.
Getting Help
Treatment for alcohol and drug dependence must be thorough. It should also include the development of a healthy lifestyle. You should see your doctor every other week when beginning treatment. Your doctor can help give you the support and information you need for a successful recovery.
If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or substance abuse, help is available. You can start by:
- Educating yourself about the problem and treatment. You can start learning more by visiting Health Education Answers.
- Keeping track of how much you drink. You may be surprised to learn what counts as a standard drink. Our helpful Essential Solutions resource guide provides an easy way to keep track.
- Assessing the behavior. You can use self-assessments and other helpful resources.
- Joining a support group. To find one in your area, visit: