Chapter 24, Problem 13RQ

To determine

The difference between psychological dependence and physical dependence

Answer to Problem 13RQ

Psychological dependence is an addiction of drugs and physical dependence is a need to withdrawal symptoms.

Explanation of Solution

Psychological dependence is to continue the use of drug, this is also known as addiction. However Physical dependence is a need of body to cure symptoms.

The continuous use of drug leads to worsening of nervous system which increases the stimulatory action, to deal with this body needs to create more depressant receptor sites for neurotransmitter, now the body wants to more dose hence even more receptor sites are created. To compensate these receptor sites, natural dopamine and norepinephrine are insufficient and body feels psychological depression.

Example- if one’s body is taking a cough syrup to cure cough then it is a physical dependence but when the body is continued with this syrup to relax brain after the symptoms have cured then body is addicted and want to relax brain so this is Psychological dependence.

Conclusion:

Therefore, psychological dependence is a strong desire of mind and physical dependence is a need to cure.