This is used a lot here with anyone referring to drug use, especially as something to avoid, something bad.
The question is, are people equivocating that with physical addiction?
Aren't there a whole list of things we are psychologically dependent on, like a certain meal every Saturday or Sunday, a favorite ritual on Friday night after work, favorite tv shows, even a pet's love?
If so, none of those are bad, so why is being psychologically dependent on a drug, prescribed for your mental health, so often perceived as bad and negative?
To me, psychologically dependent on a drug means I look to it to acheive a certain coping response that helps me through my day, but I am not addicted to it by virtue of the fact I can stop and start it several times at will, without any phsyical symptoms other than enduring the problem that it no longer fixes.

[(JD)]

Good points gtrplayer! Dependence does seem to carry a negative connation, without warrant, imo.

[sassypants]

I also agree with you. I think in general people think if you
are taking alot of prescribed med's, that you should try to
wean yourself off of them. DUH!!! Why would anyone want to take med's if they didn't need them?It really irks me,when
people suggest to give up all my med's for depression and
to see what happens. I know what will happen and it is not
a pretty sight. I tried. Failed. But a least I know I am trying to
take care of myself, than just whinning,and ignoring it.

Thanks for listening.