sõltumine

Sõltumine is an Estonian word that broadly translates to dependence, addiction, or reliance. It encompasses a range of situations where an individual or entity is subject to the influence, control, or necessity of another. This can manifest in various contexts, from personal relationships to economic or political systems.

In a psychological context, sõltumine often refers to addiction to substances, behaviors, or even people. This involves a compulsive need that overrides rational decision-making and can lead to significant negative consequences. Psychological dependence can be characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the substance or behavior is absent.

On a broader societal level, sõltumine can describe situations where a country or region relies heavily on another for resources, trade, or security. This economic or political sõltumine can create vulnerabilities and limit autonomy. Similarly, in personal relationships, one person might be sõltuv of another for emotional support, financial stability, or practical assistance, indicating a form of interdependence that can become unhealthy if unbalanced. The specific nuance of sõltumine is often determined by the context in which it is used, but it generally implies a state of being beholden or unable to function independently.