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physical dependence
(redirected from Physical dependency)

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
physical dependence,
substance dependence in which there is evidence of tolerance, withdrawal, or both.

dependence [de-pen´dens]
a need for something; sometimes used as a synonym for drug dependence.
chemical dependence (drug dependence) see drug dependence.
emotional dependence psychological dependence.
physical dependence (physiological dependence) drug dependence in which the drug is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms or in which it is associated with tolerance, or both.
psychoactive substance dependence drug dependence.
psychological dependence drug dependence in which the drug is used to obtain relief from tension or emotional discomfort; called also emotional dependence.
substance dependence drug dependence.

physical dependence
Substance abuse A physiologic state of neuro-adaptation to a specific opioid, characterized by a withdrawal syndrome if the drug is stopped or ↓ abruptly, or if an antagonist administered; PD may be relieved partly or completely by readministration of the substance. See Addiction, Tolerance.


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Nicotine is known to cause chemical changes in the brain that make nicotine addiction a physical dependency.
But Judge Lowden said a psychiatric report showed as well as her physical dependency on drink, Page had also been suffering a depressive illness.
The fact that tolerance and withdrawal are Listed as the first two criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence (see Table 1), a commonly used diagnostic tool, has contributed to a general perception that physical dependency implies addiction.
 
 
 
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