Describing Addiction: Physical & Psychological Dependence

Addiction is a complex, chronic, relapsing condition that involves compulsive engagement in a behaviour or substance use despite harmful consequences. Understanding the distinction between physical dependence and psychological dependence, the diagnostic criteria for addiction, and the key risk factors is essential for the AQA A-Level Psychology addiction topic. Throughout this lesson, we use smoking, alcohol, and gambling as the primary examples, as specified by the AQA syllabus.

Key Definition: Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug-seeking or behaviour, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is regarded as a brain disorder involving changes to reward, motivation, and memory circuits.

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Physical Dependence vs Psychological Dependence