A problematic drinker/drug abuser will encounter difficulties in their personal life with relationships, financial requirements, employment prospects and most likely with the law. As the alcohol/drugs take a psychological hold, no characteristics of physical addiction will be displayed at this point. Once the line is crossed into addiction, this is indicated by five major changes within the body:

* Tolerance is built up (more and more alcohol/drugs are needed to get the required effect). * Withdrawal symptoms will come when alcohol/drugs are needed. * Physical damage (the body will be ravaged by the effects of alcohol/drugs). Also the immune system will be run down so people become more susceptible to any colds or bugs. * Inability to abstain when cravings begin. * Loss of control over drinking/drug taking (the compulsion to relieve withdrawal symptoms will override all other priorities).

There is no defining moment when an addict can state that they transcended from ps

ychological to physical addiction. This can only be done retrospectively after a period of sobriety.

What are the features of alcohol/drug dependence?

* A subjective awareness of compulsion to use a drug, usually during attempts to stop or moderate drug use. * A desire to stop drug use in the face of continued drug use. * A stereotypical pattern of drinking/drug taking. * Evidence of neuroadaption (tolerance and withdrawal symptoms). * Use of drug to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. * The importance of seeking drugs before other important priorities. * The rapid reinstatement of addiction syndrome after a period of abstinence.

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