Glossary / Lexicon

Dependence is defined as reliance upon drugs or other supports that does not necessarily imply the features of addiction ; requires that the drug or other support be terminated or withdrawn in a phased fashion to avoid undesirable side effects. It is a condition in which a drug becomes incorporated into the functioning of the body's cells so that it is needed for "normal" functioning.

Description

Dependence in psychology refers to a psychological and physical reliance on a substance or behavior. It is characterized by an inability to function normally without the substance or behavior, leading to withdrawal symptoms when access to the substance or behavior is restricted. Dependence can develop as a result of repeated use of substances like drugs or alcohol, or engaging in behaviors like gambling or shopping. It often involves compulsive seeking out and using of the substance or behavior despite negative consequences. Dependence can have serious impacts on a person's physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Application Areas

• Substance abuse treatment
• Behavioral addictions therapy
• Counseling for co-dependency in relationships
• Support groups for individuals struggling with dependence
• Mental health services for individuals with comorbid conditions

Treatment and Risks

• Therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing
• Medication-assisted treatment for substance dependence
• Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs
• Risks include relapse, overdose, and worsening mental health conditions
• Long-term health consequences from substance abuse or compulsive behaviors

Examples

• An individual who is dependent on alcohol and experiences withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop drinking
• Someone who is dependent on prescription medication and requires increasing amounts to achieve the same effect
• A person who is dependent on gambling and continues to bet despite financial losses

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Addiction
• Substance use disorder
• Compulsive behavior
• Need for fulfillment
• Reliance

Articles with 'Dependence' in the title

• Alcohol dependence: Alcohol dependence refers to a chronic, progressive disorder marked by a growing compulsion to drink and impaired control over drinking that eventually interfere with health and social behavior
• Chi-Square test for independence: Chi-Square test for independence: Chi-square test for independence refers to a statistical test usually used to determine whether the data in a contingency table are statistically significant
• Dependence/Incompetence:: Dependence/Incompetence: : Dependence/Incompetence refers to the belief that you are unable to effectively make your own decisions, that your judgment is questionable, and that you need to rely on others to help get you through day-to- . . .
• Field dependence/Field independence: Field dependence/Field independence refers to a cognitive style dimension referring to the relative difficulty or ease individuals have in ignoring background context to identify parts of a figure as separate from a whole
• Field independence versus field dependence: Field independence versus field dependence refers to a cognitive style which is probably the most well known style. It refers to a tendency to approach the environment in an analytical, as opposed to global, fashion
• Independence: Independence is defined as a performance situation that is structured in such a way that the success of any one member is unrelated to the chance of other members’ succeeding
• Independence training: Independence training means encouraging children to become self-reliant by accomplishing goals without others’ assistance. In psychology, independence training refers to the process of teaching individuals the skills and behaviors . . .
• Interdependence: Interdependence refers to the extent to which team members need and rely on other team members- a condition in which systems depend on each other, or in which all the elements in a system rely on one another for their continued growth
• Physical dependence: Physical dependence refers to an adaptive physiological state that occurs with regular drug use and results in a withdrawal syndrome when drug use stops
• Psychological Dependence: Psychological Dependence is defined as a mental belief that continued drug usage is required- drug dependence that is based primarily on emotional or psychological needs
• Substance dependence: substance dependence refers to a diagnosis of an adolescent (or adult) who must show a maladaptive pattern of substance use for at least 12 months, accompanied by three (3) or more significant clinical signs of distress tolerance (the need . . .
• Interdependence theory: Interdependence theory: Interdependence theory is also known as Social exchange theory.
• Mutual interdependence: Mutual interdependence is defined as a condition in which two (2) or more persons must depend on one another to meet each person's needs or goals. It is a situation where two (2) or more groups need each other and must depend on each other . . .

Weblinks

• space-glossary.com: 'Dependence' in the space-glossary.com
• fitness-and-health-glossary.com: 'Dependence' in the fitness-and-health-glossary.com

Summary

Dependence in psychology refers to a state of reliance on a substance or behavior, leading to physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when access is restricted. It can have detrimental effects on various aspects of a person's life, such as their health, relationships, and overall well-being. Treatment options for dependence include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and rehabilitation programs. Risks of dependence include relapse, overdose, and worsening mental health conditions. Overall, dependence is a serious issue that requires professional intervention and support to address effectively.

--