Question

Explain the difference between physical dependence and a psychological dependence

Answer 1

The main difference between physical and psychological dependence is that physical dependence is marked by withdrawal symptoms that make you feel physically ill, while psychological dependence is marked by a persistent, strong urge to use drugs despite negative consequences.

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

People who are physically dependent on drugs and alcohol will experience a set of withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping or reducing their use. When someone uses drugs regularly in high amounts, their bodies become dependent on those drugs and rely on them to carry out normal functions.

Physical drug dependence begins with tolerance, which is when the body adapts to a certain amount of drugs and alcohol and needs a higher amount to feel the effects. People who use high amounts of drugs and alcohol after becoming tolerant face the risk of becoming dependent.

Psychological dependence is more commonly known as addiction. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder and mental illness marked by compulsive drug seeking and repeated drug use despite negative consequences.

Drugs and alcohol can change the brain’s structure and function in ways that affect a person’s judgment, priorities, personality, and mental health. Nearly half of all people diagnosed with drug and alcohol use disorders also suffer from one or more mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.