US High School Psychology Practice Exam

What is physical drug dependence?

1. A strong desire to repeat drug use

2. The physiological need for a drug

3. Combining drugs for recreational use

4. A cognitive desire to experience drug benefits

The correct answer is: The physiological need for a drug

Physical drug dependence refers to the physiological need for a drug, characterized by the body's adaptation to the presence of the substance. When an individual uses a drug over time, their body adjusts to its effects, leading to physical dependence. This adaptation can result in withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken, as the body reacts to the absence of the substance it has become accustomed to. In this context, the correct choice highlights the importance of physiological factors in drug dependence, distinguishing it from psychological factors such as cravings or desires to use drugs. The physiological need indicates that the body has become reliant on the substance for normal functioning, making it crucial to understand how dependence can manifest in both physical and psychological forms.