Describing addiction

• What is physical dependence?


  When the body is dependant on the drug which can lead to withdrawal symptoms
• What is physiological dependence

  A mental state where a central part of an individuals thoughts and feeling revolve around the drug which can lead to dependency on the drug
• When does tolerance occur?

  When the body becomes used to the substance so larger quantifies are needed to feel the effect
• When do withdrawal symptoms occur?

  When an individual stops taking the substance which can lead to symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety occur
• What are acute withdrawal symptoms?


  Occurs during the first few hours where the physical craving are intense
• What are post-acute withdrawal symptoms?

  Occur after a while where the brain begins to re-organise and re-balance itself as a result of drug not being present
• What are cravings?

  An intense desire to repeat the experience associated with the substance which can lead to dependence and intensified withdrawal symptom