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

2. How does physical dependence differ from psychological dependence?

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

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

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

6. Drugs that CAUSE PHYSICAL Symptoms:
Alcohol
Opioids
Benzodiazepines
Antiepileptics
Antidepressants

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

8. 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.

9. Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms Include:
Cravings
Irritability
Insomnia
Depression
Anorexia

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

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

12. 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

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