Dependency
Dependency (Medicine)
Dependency (pronounced: /dɪˈpɛndənsi/) in the field of medicine refers to a state in which an individual becomes reliant on a particular substance or activity to function normally. This can include drug dependency, alcohol dependency, or even behavioral dependency.
Etymology
The term "dependency" originates from the Latin word dependere, which means "to hang from" or "to hang down". In a medical context, it was first used in the early 20th century to describe a state of reliance on substances or behaviors.
Types of Dependency
There are several types of dependency that can occur in individuals. These include:
- Drug Dependency: This is a state in which an individual becomes reliant on a particular drug to function normally. This can include both prescription and illicit drugs.
- Alcohol Dependency: Also known as alcoholism, this is a state in which an individual becomes reliant on alcohol to function normally.
- Behavioral Dependency: This is a state in which an individual becomes reliant on a particular behavior, such as gambling or eating, to function normally.
Related Terms
- Addiction: This is a state in which an individual becomes physically or psychologically dependent on a substance or behavior. Dependency is often a component of addiction.
- Withdrawal: This is a group of symptoms that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation or decrease in intake of medications or recreational drugs.
- Tolerance: This is a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a decrease of the drug's effects over time.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dependency
- Wikipedia's article - Dependency
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