Which term best describes relying on a drug to function normally and experiencing withdrawal if it's not taken?

Which term best describes relying on a drug to function normally and experiencing withdrawal if it's not taken?

• A. Tolerance
• B. Withdrawal
• C. Dependence
• D. Sensitization

Answer: (C)

Dependence occurs when you come to rely on a drug to function normally, and stopping the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms. The brain adjusts its neurotransmitter systems to accommodate the drug’s presence, so removing the drug disrupts the new balance and produces withdrawal. This is different from tolerance, which is about needing larger doses for the same effect, and from sensitization, where the response to the drug becomes stronger with repeated use. Withdrawal refers specifically to the symptoms that appear after stopping, whereas dependence describes the ongoing reliance that makes withdrawal likely.

Dependence occurs when you come to rely on a drug to function normally, and stopping the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms. The brain adjusts its neurotransmitter systems to accommodate the drug’s presence, so removing the drug disrupts the new balance and produces withdrawal. This is different from tolerance, which is about needing larger doses for the same effect, and from sensitization, where the response to the drug becomes stronger with repeated use. Withdrawal refers specifically to the symptoms that appear after stopping, whereas dependence describes the ongoing reliance that makes withdrawal likely.