When a person must continue to take a drug to avoid withdrawal illness they are demonstrating
A) psychological tolerance.
B) physical dependence.
C) psychological dependence.
D) physical tolerance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Physical dependence is the state in which an individual’s body has become accustomed to the presence of a drug, and requires continued administration of that drug to function normally. If the drug is withdrawn abruptly, the individual will experience a set of physiological symptoms known as withdrawal illness, which can include tremors, seizures, vomiting, and even death. Psychological dependence, on the other hand, refers to the emotional and psychological attachment that an individual may form to a drug, and the belief that they need it in order to feel normal or functional. Psychological tolerance and physical tolerance are related concepts referring to the ways in which an individual’s body and brain can adapt to repeated administration of a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. However, neither of these concepts specifically refers to the need to continue taking a drug to avoid withdrawal illness, which is the defining characteristic of physical dependence.

When a Person Must Continue to Take a Drug to Avoid