[Potential for dependence of analgesics and psychopharmaceuticals]

The dependence liability of analgesic and psychotropic drugs as assessed in animal experiments is described. It is demonstrated that the abuse liability of a given drug does not only depend on its pharmacological or psychopharmacological profile of actions. The abuse liability of a drug is, however, greatly influenced by environmental variables, motivation to self-administration of a drug as well as previous drug exposure. Correlations between dependent behavior of animals and dependent behavior of men are discussed.