What does dependence on a drug entail?

Dependence on a drug involves a psychological or physical inability to control one's use of that substance, even when it leads to negative consequences. This definition captures the essence of addiction, where an individual may continue to consume the drug despite experiencing adverse effects on their health, relationships, work, or other aspects of life. Dependence signifies that the person’s relationship with the drug has evolved to a point where it feels necessary for them to function or cope with daily life, causing a significant impairment in their decision-making and self-regulation.

While temporary issues with usage could refer to a range of problems that may arise from using a drug, they do not necessarily illustrate dependence, as they may not involve a loss of control or ongoing engagement with negative outcomes. A short-term addiction phase does not comprehensively cover the more profound aspects of dependence, which typically involve longer, more complex relationships with substances. Lastly, a critical physiological reaction to stopping use can indicate withdrawal symptoms but does not encompass the broader behavioral and psychological issues associated with dependence. Such reactions can occur in both physical and psychological dependence, but dependence itself is fundamentally characterized by a compulsive nature of use regardless of the repercussions.