What is the difference between a physiological addiction and a biological addiction?

Answer 1

Physiological dependence = result of constant use of a drug to the point whereby the body's normal state is the drugged state, i.e. the drug is needed in order to feel normal. Physiological dependence develops with the gradual increase in the body's tolerance to the drug. Tolerance means that more and more of the drug is needed to get the desired effect. Without this increase, the drug user can actually suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Physiological dependence called chemical dependence.

Psychological dependence = a drug user's tendency to change his life because of the drug and to centre his/her activities around the drug (acquiring it, using it, experiencing it).

Answer 2

Physical Dependence on a substance is defined by the appearance of characteristic withdrawal symptoms when the substance is suddenly discontinued. Opiates, Amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol and nicotine induce physical dependence. On the other hand, some categories of substances share this property and are still not considered addictive: cortisone, beta-blockers and most antidepressantsare examples. So, while physical dependency can be a major factor in the psychology of addiction and most often becomes a primary motivator in the continuation of an addiction, the initial primary attribution of an addictive substance is usually its ability to induce pleasure, although with continued use the goal is not so much to induce pleasure as it is to relieve the anxiety caused by the absence of a given addictive substance, causing it to become used compulsively. An example of this is nicotine; A cigarette can be described as pleasurable, but is in fact fulfilling the physical addiction of the user, and therefore, is achieving pleasurable feelings relative to his/her previous state of physical withdrawal. Further, the physical dependency of the nicotine addict on the substance itself becomes an overwhelming factor in the continuation of use.

Psychological Dependence is a dependency of the mind, and leads to psychological withdrawal symptoms (such as cravings, irritability, insomnia, depression, anorexia, etc). Addiction can in theory be derived from any rewarding behaviour, and is believed to be strongly associated with the dopaminergic system of the brain's reward system (as in the case of cocaine and amphetamines). Some claim that it is a habitual means to avoid undesired activity, but typically it is only so to a clinical level in individuals who have emotional, social, or psychological dysfunctions (psychological addiction is defined as such), replacing normal positive stimuli not otherwise attained. It is considered possible to be both psychologically and physically dependent at the same time. Some doctors, and especially scientists in related fields, make little or no distinction between the two types of addiction, since the result, substance abuse, is the same, and in terms of scientific as opposed to magical thinking, the "psychological" dependence is entirely due to physical effects of the drug on the brain.

Psychological dependence does not have to be limited only to substances; even activities and behavioral patterns can be considered addictions, if they become uncontrollable, e.g. gambling, internet addiction, computer addiction, sexual addiction / pornography addiction, reading, eating, self-harm, vandalism, drug addiction or work addiction.

Answer 3

A physioloical addiction is an addiction in which the substance that is consumed causes a physical change in the body. This can be something like an increase in dopamine levels or antagonizing certain chemical receptors in the brain. This response becomes dull with time unless the dosage is increased again and again.

A psychological addiction is an addiction to something, it might be a substance like food or an activity like working out, causes more psychological satisfaction than bodily response. Working out does release hormones called endorphines that make you feel good, but most people with an addiction to exercise do it for psychological reasons. People with psychological addictions derive comfort, satisfaction, self-worth, or other positive feelings from whatever they are addicted to and cannot get these feelings without that addiction.

Answer 4

Psychological Dependence refers to situations where there is no physical withdrawal, yet there is a compulsion to continue using a substance or carrying out an act. Sex "addiction" is a good example, as is the fcompulsion to eat sugar.

There is a wide gray area between PD and addiction. For example, some heavy users of marijuana suffer withdrawal when they stop using, which qualifies them as addicted. Others have no overt physical symptoms, but become psychologically disturbed.

As far as treatment is concerned, there is no real difference, apart from the possible need to detox from an addictive substance.

Answer 5

The difference is in the type of symptoms:

1. the symptoms of biological addiction can be diarea, throwing up, tremor, bones pain and the person can be seriously sick

2. the psychological addiction causes symptoms on psychological level: insomnia, restlessness, paranoia, depression

Answer 6

Physiological dependence is characterized by the presence of tolerance (increased resistance to the effects of the substance) and withdrawal (symptoms stemming from the absence of the substance). Non-physiological (or psychological) dependence does not have these characteristics.

Answer 7

Psychological addictions mean in your mind you crave it, but your body doesn't go through physical withdrawals like you would with a physical addiction such as heroine or meth.

Answer 8

a physiological addiction is thinking you need it and biological is actually needing it