What characterizes dependence?

What characterizes dependence?

• A. Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is removed
• B. Only psychological cravings
• C. No physical effects
• D. A complete absence of tolerance

Answer: (A)

Dependence reflects the body’s physiological adaptation to regular drug exposure, so stopping the drug produces withdrawal symptoms. That withdrawal upon cessation is the clearest sign that the body has become dependent. Craving can accompany dependence, but it’s the physical withdrawal that distinguishes true dependence. Tolerance often goes hand in hand, requiring more of the drug for the same effect, but the hallmark situation described here is withdrawal when the drug is removed. The other statements don’t fit because they imply no physical effects, or focus only on cravings, or deny tolerance.

Dependence reflects the body’s physiological adaptation to regular drug exposure, so stopping the drug produces withdrawal symptoms. That withdrawal upon cessation is the clearest sign that the body has become dependent. Craving can accompany dependence, but it’s the physical withdrawal that distinguishes true dependence. Tolerance often goes hand in hand, requiring more of the drug for the same effect, but the hallmark situation described here is withdrawal when the drug is removed. The other statements don’t fit because they imply no physical effects, or focus only on cravings, or deny tolerance.