Addiction: An obsession, compulsion, or excessive physical, or psychological dependence.

How does physical dependence differ from psychological dependence?

Physical Dependence: Physical dependence on a substance is definedby theappearance of withdrawal symptoms when use of the substance is no longer continued.

Psychological Dependence: Psychological dependence is a dependency of the mind.

So the difference in PSYCHOLOGICAL dependency and PHYSICAL dependency lies in the symptoms you experience when use of a substance is discontinued.

Drugs that CAUSE PHYSICAL Symptoms: Alcohol Opioids Benzodiazepines Antiepileptics Antidepressants

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms Include: NAUSEA SWEATING VOMITTING SHAKING INCREASE OF HEART RATE/BLOOD PRESSURE SEIZURES

Drugs that cause psychological dependency are the same as the ones that cause physical dependency, however, psychological dependence begins after the first trial which a person then becomes satisfied and the satisfaction increases with each use. This constant feeling leads to psychological reinforcement which eventually leads to dependence.

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms Include: Cravings Irritability Insomnia Depression Anorexia

Psychological dependence does NOT have to be limited only to substances; even particular activities and behavioural patterns can be considered addictions.

Activities/Behavioural Patterns That Can Cause A Psychological Dependency: Internet addiction Gambling addiction Sexual addiction Shopping/spending addiction Eating Self harm

Treatment For Physical Dependency: Physical dependence is usually managed by a slow dose reduction over a period of weeks, months or sometimes longer depending on the drug, dose and the individual

Treatment For Psychological Dependency: A form of therapy (depending on the substance) is usually used to discontinue withdrawal symptoms of psychological dependency.