drug dependence

drug dependence,

a psychologic craving for, habituation to, abuse of, or physiologic reliance on a chemical substance. See also drug abuse, drug addiction.

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dependence [de-pen´dens]

a need for something; sometimes used as a synonym for drug dependence.

chemical dependence (drug dependence) see drug dependence.

emotional dependence psychological dependence.

physical dependence (physiological dependence) drug dependence in which the drug is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms or in which it is associated with tolerance, or both.

psychoactive substance dependence drug dependence.

psychological dependence drug dependence in which the drug is used to obtain relief from tension or emotional discomfort; called also emotional dependence.

substance dependence drug dependence.

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drug(s),

n a substance used in the prevention, cure, or alleviation of disease or pain or as an aid in some diagnostic procedures.

drug absorption,

n See absorption, drug.

drug abuse,

n an excessive or improper use of drugs, especially through self-administration for nonmedical purposes. This term has increased significance because of the enactment of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, which replaces the Harrison Narcotic Act. See also substance abuse.

drug combinations,

n.pl the use of drugs together to enhance the properties of both to the benefit of the patient.

drug dependence,

n a physical or psychologic state in which a person displays withdrawal symptoms if drug use is halted suddenly; can lead to addiction.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),

n.pr the federal agency charged with monitoring use and abuse of narcotics. It provides the drug schedules used to determine the addiction potential of dental drugs.

drug hypersensitivity,

n an allergic reaction that occurs after exposure to a suspect medication. It may manifest with a fever or rash and in severe cases, organ damage or death. It is classified as (1) immediate or occurring rapidly after exposure, or (2) delayed or occurring several days after exposure.

drug idiosyncrasy

n an adverse drug reaction that occurs in a small number of persons and presents no correlation to dosage or means of therapy.

drug interaction,

n a modification of the effect of a drug when administered with another drug. The effect may be an increase or a decrease in the action of either substance, or it may be an adverse effect that is not normally associated with either drug.

drug resistance,

n the capacity of a microorganism to build a tolerance to a drug.

drug stability,

n the length of time a drug retains its properties without loss of potency; usually referred to as shelf life.

drug therapy,

n the use of a drug in the treatment of a patient with a specific disease or illness.

drug tolerance,

n the body's ability to increasingly withstand the effects of the substance being used, thereby requiring larger quantities of said substance in order to bring about the desired result.

drug toxicity,

n the critical or lethal reaction to an erroneous dosage of a medication. Drug toxicity may occur due to human error or intentional overdose in the case of suicide or homicide.

drugs, antibiotic,

n.pl the chemical compounds obtained from certain living cells of lower plant forms, such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds, and from synthesis. They are antagonistic to certain pathogenic organisms and have a lethal effect on them.

drugs, antimicrobial,

n.pl the drugs, mainly penicillin and its derivatives, used to combat viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.

drugs, antiseptic,

n.pl the chemical compounds used to reduce the number of microorganisms in the oral cavity.

drugs, autonomic,

n.pl the drugs that mimic or block the effects of stimulation of the autonomic nervous system.

drugs, desensitizing,

n.pl the agents used to diminish or eliminate sensitivity of teeth, especially the dentin, to physical, chemical, thermal, or other irritants (e.g., strontium chloride, silver ammoniacal] or potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride, formalin, zinc chloride). See hypersensitivity, dentin.

drugs, endodontic,

n.pl the drugs used in treating the dental pulp and dental periapical tissues.

drugs, nonofficial,

n.pl the drugs that are not listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) or the National Formulary (N.F.).

drugs, official,

n.pl the drugs listed in the U.S.P. or N.F.

drugs, officinal

n.pl drugs that may be purchased without a prescription. More commonly called
over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

drugs, over-the-counter (OTC),

n.pl the drugs that may be purchased without a prescription. Sometimes called nonlegend drugs because the label does not bear the prescription legend required on all drugs that may be dispensed only on prescription.

drugs, parasympathetic

n.pl the belladonna alkaloids that inhibit glandular secretions of the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and bronchi. This is the main reason for using atropine and scopolamine for preanesthetic or preprocedural medication.

drugs, parasympatholytic

(per´sim´pthōlit´ik),
n.pl the drugs that block nerve impulses passing from parasympathetic nerve fibers to postganglionic neuroeffectors.

drugs, parasympathomimetic

(per´sim´pthōmimet´ik),
n.pl the drugs that have an effect similar to that produced when the parasympathetic nerves are stimulated.

drugs, proprietary

(prprī´iter´ē),
n.pl the drugs that are patented or controlled by a private organization or manufacturer.

drugs, psychoactive

n.pl the drugs or other agents that have the capacity to become habit forming because of their influence on mood, behavior, or conscious thought; may be therapeutic or recreational.

drugs, sympathetic,

n.pl the agents that imitate the sympathetic autonomic nervous system actions. They usually cause raised levels of alertness and anxiety. Various types are used in dentistry as vasoconstricters in conjunction with local anesthetics. See also adrenergic agents.

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Patient discussion about drug dependence.

Q. What happens in rehab centers? How do they “cure” alcoholics and drug addicts?

A. REHAB;for alcoholics are the same as rehabs for drugs addicted people--alcohol is a drug,people learn how to deal with ther disease,they learn how to ask for help when they fell like drinking,they learn how to go to meetings everyday,they learn how to stay away from people places and things that remind them of drinking(bars)(friends).rehabs DO NOT CURE YOU they teach you how to cure yourself or stay away from alcohol/drugs---mrfoot56---peace

Q. dose it ever get better? Dose the feeling of useing ever go away?

A. Well to answer you question bluntly, no they never go away. It just gets easier to say no. I still want to use everyday and I have been clean for 4 years. I still have using dreams. The hard days are when you try to tell yourself that all your problems would go away if you could just get high one more time. what one more time gonna hurt?.....Everything....drugs are way to escape or make you feel like someone your not. my biggest hurdle was really looking at myself and then forgiving myself for all the pain my addiction caused. Everyone has their bottom. Everytime you want to use, put yourself back at that bottom. you will come to realize that life has been patiently waiting for you. The darkness will will fade and you will find your place. Good luck to you I hope you find strength will come in time.

Q. My son is addicted to alcohol which I recently noticed. Now what to do about him? Hi, I am Kennedy. My son is studying in a familiar University. He is addicted to alcohol which I recently noticed. Now what to do about him? Is there a way to get him back? I am upset with his behavior.

A. It is up to your son at this point,if he has a alcohol problem it is always better for him to ask for help,i feel for you.mrfoot56