WHAT DEPENDENCE MEANS
When a substance that is not necessary for the normal functioning of the body is taken, for example, alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine, the body chemistry has to adjust to cope with the new substance. If the body comes to rely on the introduced chemical to function normally, this is dependence.
Tolerance is when more and more of the substance has to be taken to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal means reducing or stopping the new substance.
If a person becomes physically or nervously ill when they are deprived of the introduced chemical in sufficient amounts, these are the withdrawal symptoms.
Recovery Time
This is the length of time it takes to rid the body of the poisons, plus the time it takes for the body chemistry to return to normal.
Natural substances produced in the brain that help us cope with anxiety are 'knocked out' by the drugs. These have to be produced again before recovery can be complete.
Benzodiazepine (tranquillizer) dependence differs from heroin and alcohol addiction in that physical and not psychological dependence is the greater problem. Another difference is that it is prescribed medication andnot self-poisoning. Pleasure-seeking behaviour as seen in other addictions is not evident in tranquillizer use. Many users are revolted by them, and feel angry that they have to take them to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay. *1\49\8*
CANCER AND PAIN: PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PAIN MANAGEMENT
