| Addiction and dependence glossary |
|---|
- 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., delirium tremens and nausea)
- psychological dependence – dependence that is characterised by emotional-motivational withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anhedonia and anxiety) that affect cognitive functioning.
- 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
|
|
Psychological dependence is a cognitive disorder and a form of dependence that is characterized by emotional–motivational withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of prolonged drug use or certain repetitive behaviors. Consistent and frequent exposure to particular substances or behaviors is responsible for inducing psychological dependence, requiring ongoing engagement to prevent the onset of an unpleasant withdrawal syndrome driven by negative reinforcement. Neuronal counter-adaptation is believed to contribute to the generation of withdrawal symptoms through changes in neurotransmitter activity or altered receptor expression. Environmental enrichment and physical activity have been shown to attenuate withdrawal symptoms.