Chemical dependency

From Drug Rehab Wiki

A chemical dependency is a condition in which a person will experience physical withdrawal symptoms if he stops using a certain drug or substance. Chemical dependency is a very common disorder. Millions are chemically dependent on alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs, and legally available substances such as the caffeine found in tea, coffee and cola drinks, and the nicotine found in tobacco products. Those who are using such substances but who can stop without feeling physical withdrawal symptoms are not chemically dependent on them.

People who become chemically dependent usually need to keep using their substance just to feel normal. For example, those who abuse narcotics will experience severe flu-like symptoms, chills, fevers, tremors, anxiety, and depression when they withdraw. Those physically dependent on caffeine will develop sluggishness, headaches, and constipation. Symptoms differ according to the substance being abused and the length of time the person was using it. Some withdrawal symptoms are very hard to manage without medical supervision. For example, people who stop using barbiturates too suddenly can actually die.

"Psychological dependency" refers to relying on a drug or activity to calm yourself, escape from stress, and to add excitement to your life. People become psychologically dependent on activities such as gambling, shopping, video gaming, and sex. Some actually go through a form of withdrawal when they try to quit, and then develop psychological symptoms such as cravings, irritability, restlessness, boredom, anxiety, and depression.

Some authorities believe that it is possible to develop dependencies on certain kinds of food.