Habitual substance use, despite consequences, and a compulsive need to continue using the drug. go to glossary index

Pattern of compulsive drug use characterized by a continued craving for an opioid and the need to use the opioid for effects other than pain relief.

Compulsion to use a drug for its pleasurable effects.

The conditioned use of a drug caused by underlying emotional needs.

Psychological dependence exists when a drug is so central to a person's thoughts, emotions, and activities that it is extremely difficult to stop using it or even stop thinking about it. In essence, the drug becomes the center of the person's universe.

When drugs become so central to a user's life that the user believes he must use them.

A primary, chronic, neurobiological condition characterized by 1 or more of the following: impaired control over drug use (ie, compulsive use), continued use despite harm, cravings. | Close window

Habitual use of a drug to relieve anxiety even though no physical dependence (addiction) has developed.

dependence that results because a drug produces pleasant mental effects