Question

Briefly define substance dependence (addiction) and distinguish between physical and psychological dependence.

Answer 1

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a “chronic, relapsing brain disease that is accompanied with compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences” 7. Thus it is the uncontrollable or overwhelming need to use a drug, which is a long-lasting compulsion and it can return unexpectedly after a period of improvement. Physical dependence of a drug is characterized by withdral symptoms in the absence of drug such as pain

delirium tremens and seizures. psychological addiction occurs when a person does not have a physical need for a drug but rather a mental desire for it. Psychological dependence occurs when people who use substances like marijuana have a desire to take it and hence are dependent upon it emotionally.