Although only a small proportion of individuals who use addictive substances develop dependence (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime., 2007), substance dependence represents a tremendous burden to the individual and to society (World Health Organization., 2002). Estimating the risk and predictors of transition from substance use to dependence can provide information about the etiology and course of addiction, guide clinicians in identifying patients at higher risk of becoming dependent, and assist in the organization of primary and secondary prevention services.
