physical dependence
Biological substance reliance
Physical dependence is a bodily adaptation to a substance such that stopping or reducing use triggers withdrawal symptoms.
The body adjusts its chemistry around the drug's presence; removing the drug creates imbalance.
Physical dependence differs from addiction—a person on long-term pain medication may be physically dependent without compulsively seeking the drug or losing control over its use.
Receptor-binding pain relievers
- benzodiazepinesSedative-hypnotic drug class
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- sedativesDrugs that calm
- barbituratesSedative-hypnotic drug class
nicotine · caffeine · stimulants · narcotics · painkillers · prescription drugs · controlled substances · depressants
Proteins binding specific molecules
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
upregulation · downregulation · brain chemistry · neural pathways · reward system · endorphins · serotonin · plasticity
Recovery from injury/addiction
- methadoneSynthetic addiction treatment opioid
- suboxoneOpioid dependency medication
- buprenorphinePartial agonist for dependency
- naltrexoneDependency treatment medication
tapering · detox center · inpatient · outpatient · support groups · counseling · relapse prevention · harm reduction
Removing harmful substances internally
- symptomsIndicators of disease
- tremorsSlight shaking movements
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- sweatingMoisture through pores
insomnia · anxiety · seizures · delirium tremens · cold turkey · abstinence · restlessness · irritability
Progressive increase in intensity
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
- habituationDiminished reaction over time
- desensitizationReduced response over time
- cross-toleranceImmunity extending between substances
potentiation · pharmacokinetics · bioavailability · metabolism · steady-state · sensitization · drug sensitivity
opioids
Receptor-binding pain relievers
- benzodiazepinesSedative-hypnotic drug class
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- sedativesDrugs that calm
barbiturates · nicotine · caffeine · stimulants · narcotics · painkillers · prescription drugs · controlled substances · depressants · anxiolytics
receptors
Proteins binding specific molecules
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- neurotransmittersChemical neural messengers
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
homeostasis · upregulation · downregulation · brain chemistry · neural pathways · reward system · endorphins · serotonin · plasticity · central nervous system
rehabilitation
Recovery from injury/addiction
- methadoneSynthetic addiction treatment opioid
- suboxoneOpioid dependency medication
- buprenorphinePartial agonist for dependency
naltrexone · tapering · detox center · inpatient · outpatient · support groups · counseling · relapse prevention · harm reduction · recovery
detoxification
Removing harmful substances internally
sweating · insomnia · anxiety · seizures · delirium tremens · cold turkey · abstinence · restlessness · irritability · muscle aches
escalation
Progressive increase in intensity
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
- habituationDiminished reaction over time
- desensitizationReduced response over time
cross-tolerance · potentiation · pharmacokinetics · bioavailability · metabolism · steady-state · sensitization · drug sensitivity
- dependencerely, need, rely on, neediness, reliance
- addictionaddiction, drug addiction, substance abuse, substance use disorder, alcoholism
- Alcoholismalcoholism, alcoholic, alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, problem drinking
- tobaccocigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, tobacco, chewing tobacco
- withdrawalwithdrawing, cash withdrawal, ATM withdrawal, early withdrawal, fund withdrawal
physical dependencedrug-free
Without illicit substances
sobriety · abstinence · clean · homeostasis
physical dependencepsychological dependence
Non-physical addiction to something
behavioral addiction · habitual use · habituation · compulsive behavior
physical dependencebodily autonomy
Control over one's physique
independence · self-sufficiency · liberation · recovery · emancipation
physical, physically, physicality, physicist, physics, physic, dependence, depend, dependent