Chemical Dependence
Behavioral Definitions

• Consistent use of alcohol or other mood-altering drugs until high, intoxicated, or passed out
• Inability to stop or cut down use of mood-altering drug once started, despite the verbalized desire to do so and the negative consequences continued use brings
• Blood work that reflects the results of a pattern of heavy substance use (e.g., elevated liver enzymes)
• Denial that chemical dependence is a problem despite direct feedback from spouse, relatives, friends, and employers that the use of the substance is negatively affecting them and others
• Amnestic blackouts occur when abusing alcohol
• Continued drug and/or alcohol use despite experiencing persistent or recurring physical, legal, vocational, social, or relationship problems that are directly caused by the use of the substance
• Increased tolerance for the drug as evidenced by the need to use more to become intoxicated or to attain the desired effect
• Physical symptoms (i.e., shaking, seizures, nausea, headaches, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and/or depression) when withdrawing from the substance
• Suspension of important social, recreational, or occupational activities because they interfere with using the mood-altering drug
• Large time investment in activities to obtain the substance, to use it, or to recover from its effects
• Consumption of a mood-altering substance in greater amounts and for longer periods than intended
• Continued abuse of mood-altering chemical after being told by a physician that it is causing health problems

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