Types of Chemical Dependency

There are many different chemicals to which a person can become dependent, and alcohol is one of the most common. To be considered chemically dependent, a person must exhibit physical or psychological cravings --- and sometimes both. Chemical dependency has genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors that contribute to its onset. And chemical dependency is a progressive, often fatal disease.

Alcohol Dependence

• Alcohol dependency is more commonly referred to as alcoholism. Alcoholism is a mental and physical disease that has proved to be both progressive and fatal. Physical dependence to alcohol can manifest in tremors, increased tolerance to alcohol, memory lapses, increased anxiety and even seizures. Alcohol abuse can cause severe damage to the liver, kidney and heart and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis of the liver, ulcers, cancer and death.

Cocaine Dependence

• Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the coca plant, which is snorted or injected. Crack cocaine is the rock version of cocaine, which is ingested by smoking. Symptoms of a cocaine addiction can manifest as irritability, restlessness, fatigue, aggression, paranoia, pinpoint pupils, rambling speech and many others. Contributing factors that can lead to cocaine dependence include genetic predisposition and peer pressure. Some disorders that are found frequently in cocaine addicts include ADD, ADHD and anti-social personality disorder.

Opiate Dependence

• Opiate dependence can range from what appears to be innocent abuse of prescription painkillers all the way to the daily, physical need for intravenous heroin use. An opiate is a type of painkiller that works with the central nervous system to decrease feelings of discomfort. Percocet, Vicodin, morphine and Dilaudid are all legal forms of opiates, yet they are all classified as the same type of drug as heroin. Fatigue, nausea, agitation, irritability, hot flashes, chills and body aches are some of the less serious signs of dependency.

Methamphetamine Dependence

• Methamphetamine is more commonly known as crystal meth, or simply meth. It is smoked, snorted or injected by users. It is a central nervous stimulant, used for its euphoric and energy-boosting effects. The interference the drug causes to the normal functions of the nervous system and the spinal cord make the drug dangerous. Meth has permanent side affects on the user's brain chemistry, which can lead to chronic depression or anxiety --- and in extreme cases, it can cause psychosis. Symptoms of meth dependence include anxiety, irritability, excessive talking, difficulty sleeping, aggression and severe depression.