NATURe Of Drug Dependence
After a drug user discontinues his or her use of the drug, he or she experience painful withdrawal symptoms, including physical pain and intense cravings. This indicates that their body has become dependent of the drug. There are two types of dependence: physical and psychological. Physical dependence is the psychological need for a drug, marked by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. Psychological dependence is a psychological need to use a drug, such as to relieve negative emotions. When psychologically dependent, the user needs the drug to feel a certain way: happy, sad, anxious, mad, etc. When a user is dependent on the drug, their primary focus is to obtain the drug, and often will do anything to get it.