‘Tonic’, ‘fuel’ and ‘food’: Social and symbolic aspects of the long-term use of psychotropic drugs

This paper examines some of the many dimensions of meaning that psychotropic drugs can have for those that use them on a long-term basis. It aims to shed light on the problem of psychological dependence on these drugs, and the different forms this dependence can take. To put this study in context, some of the recent literature on psychotropic drug use is reviewed, before reporting the findings of the pilot-study. From this data a classification of chronic users into three different ‘types’—called ‘Tonic’. ‘Fuel’ and ‘Food’—has been developed, each of which embodies a different perspective on psychotropic drugs, their symbolic meanings, and modes of usage. It is hoped this classification will be useful to clinicians and others working in this field.