What is the difference between physical dependence and psychological dependence?

• A. A: Physical dependence is the same as psychological dependence.
• B. B: Physical dependence involves cravings; psychological dependence involves withdrawal symptoms.
• C. C: There is no difference between physical and psychological dependence.
• D. D: Physical dependence involves withdrawal symptoms; psychological depends on cravings and emotional attachment.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that physical dependence and psychological dependence are two different ways people can become reliant on a drug. Physical dependence means the body has adapted to regular use, so when the drug isn’t present, withdrawal symptoms show up. This is about the body’s physiology—changes in the nervous system, tolerance, and physical discomfort if the drug is stopped. Psychological dependence, on the other hand, is about the mind: a strong craving or urge to use the drug, plus emotional attachment or coping needs that make using feel important for mood or stress relief. Cravings and the belief that the drug is needed to feel normal or to cope are part of this mental side.

So the statement that matches this distinction—withdrawal symptoms reflect physical dependence, while cravings and emotional attachment reflect psychological dependence—best captures the difference. The other ideas mix up which symptoms belong to which type or claim there’s no difference, which doesn’t fit how these forms of dependence work.