Psychological dependence is a cognitive disorder that involves emotional–motivational withdrawal symptoms – such as anxiety or anhedonia – upon cessation of prolonged drug abuse or certain repetitive behaviors.[4] It develops through frequent exposure to certain psychoactive substances or behaviors, which leads to an individual requiring further exposure to avoid withdrawal symptoms, as a result of negative reinforcement. Neuronal counter-adaptation is believed to play a role in generating withdrawal symptoms, which could be mediated through changes in neurotransmitter activity or altered receptor expression.[5][6][7][8][9] Environmental enrichment and physical activity can attenuate withdrawal symptoms.[10][11]
Quick Facts
Addiction and dependence glossary[1][2][3] |
---|
- addiction – a biopsychosocial disorder characterized by persistent use of drugs (including alcohol) despite substantial harm and adverse consequences
- addictive drug – psychoactive substances that with repeated use are associated with significantly higher rates of substance use disorders, due in large part to the drug's effect on brain reward systems
- dependence – an adaptive state associated with a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of repeated exposure to a stimulus (e.g., drug intake)
- drug sensitization or reverse tolerance – the escalating effect of a drug resulting from repeated administration at a given dose
- drug withdrawal – symptoms that occur upon cessation of repeated drug use
- physical dependence – dependence that involves persistent physical–somatic withdrawal symptoms (e.g., fatigue and delirium tremens)
- psychological dependence – dependence socially seen as being extremely mild compared to physical dependence (e.g., with enough willpower it could be overcome)
- reinforcing stimuli – stimuli that increase the probability of repeating behaviors paired with them
- rewarding stimuli – stimuli that the brain interprets as intrinsically positive and desirable or as something to approach
- sensitization – an amplified response to a stimulus resulting from repeated exposure to it
- substance use disorder – a condition in which the use of substances leads to clinically and functionally significant impairment or distress
- tolerance – the diminishing effect of a drug resulting from repeated administration at a given dose
|
|
Close