Yeah, the dependence is what the medical associations want you to believe--because it works much better than their laxitives. I have used the #1 on and off for years. It actually builds up your bowels to where they can do it better on their own. My mom started off taking 14 (very constipated all her life) and now she only needs 1 or 2 and oftentimes she doesn't take any, but it is smoother if she takes 1 each night. So that should tell you something...I use it especially when I am pregnant and afterwards. I have very large babies so it takes me sometime afterwards before they are working consistently on their own each day. It is wonderful, wonderful product and I highly recommend it! The #2 is also great, I do it a couple of times a year and keep some of hand for flu, food poisioning ect. because it will keep you from throwing up (though my sisters have once after taking it I never have, but I guess that was the way it expelled everything it had trapped.) A Colon Cleanse is great for everyone to do! I've seen a lot of people complain about P&B shakes, but for me #2 is easy to get down. It has bententite and physillum seeds in it with the activated charcoal and a few other things but I guess the peppermint makes it's flavor better. :) It is so easy to do, the easiest on of all. Anyone will feel better with a clean colon. :) Caitlin Lorraine