substance-dependent
|sub/stance-de/pend/ent|
/ˈsʌbstəns dɪˈpɛndənt/
reliance on substances
Etymology
'substance-dependent' originates from the combination of 'substance' and 'dependent', where 'substance' refers to a material with particular physical characteristics and 'dependent' means relying on something else for support.
The term 'substance-dependent' evolved from the medical and psychological fields to describe individuals who rely on substances for normal functioning.
Initially, it referred to any reliance on substances, but over time it has become more associated with addiction and misuse.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
reliant on a particular substance, often referring to drugs or alcohol, to function normally.
He became substance-dependent after years of misuse.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/28 02:32