What term describes cravings for the pleasurable feelings or relief from anxiety that the drug provides?

What term describes cravings for the pleasurable feelings or relief from anxiety that the drug provides?

• A. Tolerance
• B. Withdrawal
• C. Psychological dependence
• D. Physical dependence

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is the emotional and cognitive pull of drug use—the cravings and longing for the pleasurable effects or for relief from anxiety. This is known as psychological dependence. It focuses on the mental drive to continue using a substance because of mood benefits or stress relief, even if there aren’t clear physical withdrawal symptoms yet. In contrast, tolerance means you need more of the drug to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal refers to the physical symptoms that occur when you stop using the drug. So the craving and emotional urge described in the question align with psychological dependence.

The key idea here is the emotional and cognitive pull of drug use—the cravings and longing for the pleasurable effects or for relief from anxiety. This is known as psychological dependence. It focuses on the mental drive to continue using a substance because of mood benefits or stress relief, even if there aren’t clear physical withdrawal symptoms yet.

In contrast, tolerance means you need more of the drug to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal refers to the physical symptoms that occur when you stop using the drug. So the craving and emotional urge described in the question align with psychological dependence.