Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

Physiological dependence refers to an adaptive state that develops in response to the regular use of a substance. When an individual becomes physiologically dependent, their body has adjusted to the presence of the substance, leading to specific changes in neurochemistry and physical functioning. This adaptation means that if the substance is suddenly discontinued, the body can no longer function optimally without it, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and can affect a range of physical and psychological processes. The other options describe related concepts but do not define physiological dependence accurately. Using psychoactive substances can relate to habitual behavior, and a mental craving indicates psychological dependence rather than physiological. A temporary reaction to drug withdrawal may occur after cessation but does not encompass the ongoing adaptations that characterize physiological dependence.