What does physical dependence refer to?

Physical dependence refers to a state in which a person's body has adapted to the presence of a substance, leading to a reliance on it to function normally. This reliance manifests through physical and chemical changes in the body, which can include tolerance, where the individual needs to consume more of the substance to achieve the same effects, and withdrawal symptoms that occur when the substance is reduced or eliminated from the body.

When someone is physically dependent on a substance, their body has essentially "learned" to function with that substance as part of its biology. This means that without the substance, the individual may experience various physiological symptoms as their body struggles to maintain homeostasis. Understanding this aspect of physical dependence is essential in recognizing the challenges and risks associated with substance use and its discontinuation.