What are we talking about?
Dependence can involve tobacco, alcohol or certain medicines. It often shows as loss of control, continued use despite harm, or distress on stopping.
WHO documents health risks linked to tobacco and alcohol. Medicine misuse is also part of medicine safety concerns.
What you may observe
Points of attention may include: need to increase doses, use outside indications, irritability on stopping, concealing use, impact on work or family.
These elements do not make a remote diagnosis; they indicate that a professional conversation may be useful.
Good practices
Talking early to a health professional, without waiting for a “crisis”, makes referral easier.
For tobacco and alcohol, support strategies for stopping exist; they are discussed case by case. For a medicine, do not abruptly stop a prescribed treatment without advice.
What to avoid
Avoid moral judgement that isolates the person. Also avoid minimising use that worries those around them.
Avoid obtaining psychotropics or strong painkillers outside a care pathway.
Medicines: what you need to know
Some medicines (sleeping pills, anxiolytics, opioid painkillers, stimulants) carry a risk of dependence when used for a long time or outside prescription.
Any unusual refill request or increasing dose deserves a transparent discussion with the pharmacist and doctor.
When to ask the pharmacist?
The pharmacist can listen without stigma, recall risks, help review dispensings and guide toward adapted care.
This is neither an interrogation nor a judgement: it is health support.
When to seek medical care?
Seek professional help in case of difficult withdrawal, overuse, severe malaise, thoughts of self-harm, or if those around the person observe loss of control.
In acute distress, seek appropriate care without delay.
Key points
- Talking about concerning use is a health step.
- Tobacco, alcohol and certain medicines can create dependence.
- Do not abruptly stop a prescribed treatment without advice.
- The pharmacist can guide without stigma.
Related advice
- Understanding and following your prescriptionA well-understood prescription limits dosing errors. Medicine name, dose, schedule, duration and refill: points to check.
- I missed a dose of medicine: what should I do?There is no universal rule for a missed dose. Do not automatically double the next dose: read the leaflet and ask for advice.
- Pain and painkillers: avoiding self-medication mistakesRelieving common pain requires caution: the right product, the right dose, limited duration, and particular attention in pregnancy or with associated treatments.
Sources and references
- Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) — Tabac — aide-mémoire · View sourceAccessed on 2026-07-24
- Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) — Alcool — aide-mémoire · View sourceAccessed on 2026-07-24
- Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) — Medication Without Harm — initiative OMS (sécurité des médicaments) · View sourceAccessed on 2026-07-24
Documentary information
- Published : 2026-07-24
- Last updated : 2026-07-24
- Last documentary review : 2026-07-24