How does physical dependence differ from psychological dependence?

Physical dependence and psychological dependence are two distinct aspects of addiction, both of which highlight how individuals experience and respond to substance use.

Physical dependence refers to a state where the body has adapted to the presence of a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the substance is reduced or eliminated. These withdrawal symptoms can manifest in various physical ways, such as nausea, tremors, or seizures, indicating that the body has developed a physiological need for the substance to function normally.

In contrast, psychological dependence revolves around the emotional and mental aspects of addiction. This type of dependence often involves intense cravings and a compulsion to use the substance to achieve certain feelings or to escape negative emotions. While cravings are a significant part of psychological dependence, they do not come with the physical withdrawal symptoms that characterize physical dependence.

Therefore, the correct answer illustrates that physical dependence is distinguished by withdrawal symptoms that emerge when the substance is not present, while psychological dependence is defined by the cravings driven by an emotional or psychological need for the substance. This distinction is crucial for effective treatment and understanding of addiction, as interventions may need to focus differently depending on whether the dependence is primarily physical or psychological.