What is dependent drug and alcohol use?

There are degrees of dependency (a.k.a. addiction) to different substances including licit substances such as alcohol and nicotine. It's impossible to say how long or how often a person must use a drug before they become dependent.

Dependence can be psychological, physical, or both.

Psychological Dependence

• when a person feels compelled in certain or in different situations to use a drug in order to function effectively or to achieve emotional satisfaction

Physical Dependence

• when a person's body adapts to a drug and becomes used to functioning with the drug present

Am I dependent on drugs or alcohol?

Assessment tools have been developed to measure levels of drug dependence that are used by GPs and workers in drug and alcohol services. It's possible to self assess your own levels of dependence. The questionnaire at the end of the fact sheet below should assist you.

More info

Contact: ACON Alcohol and Other Drugs Program

Tel: (02) 9206 2016
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: aod@acon.org.au