Category: psychology

Before we dive into the ocean of specific groups of psychoactive substances and substances themselves, let’s talk about addiction and dependence.

Psychological dependence

There are substances that are more and less likely to cause psychological dependence. One of those can be nicotine, for example. This type of addiction may not be as harmful as the latter, but it can still cause a lot of significant damage to one’s social life, finances and such. It is characterized by the craving of a substance without it causing physical symptoms. However, as we know, everything in the body is connected – psychosomatic symptoms exist.

Physical dependence

This is where it gets a little serious, since the absence of a substance that has been used regularly can cause physical symptoms, which may vary from mild to very severe and life-threatening. Examples of drugs that have a high potential to cause physical dependence are opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol and so on.