Which statement best distinguishes physical dependence from addiction?

• A. Physical dependence is a biological adaptation with withdrawal symptoms on cessation; addiction (substance use disorder) involves compulsive use, loss of control, and continued use despite harm.
• B. Physical dependence is a choice.
• C. Physical dependence occurs only with illegal drugs.
• D. Physical dependence means you must use more to get the same effect.

Answer: (A)

Physical dependence and addiction describe different aspects of how a substance affects a person. Physical dependence is the body's biological adaptation to a drug, so stopping use leads to withdrawal symptoms. Addiction, or a substance use disorder, is about behavior: a pattern of compulsive use, loss of control, strong cravings, and continued use despite harming oneself or others. The best statement links both ideas, showing that dependence is a physiological response with withdrawal on cessation, while addiction involves ongoing, harmful, uncontrollable use. The other ideas mislead: dependence isn’t simply a choice, it isn’t limited to illegal drugs, and needing more to get the same effect describes tolerance rather than the core difference between dependence and addiction.