A 45-year-old member asked:
what is the difference between a psychological addiction and a physiological addiction?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andrew Berry answered
Clinical Psychology 14 years experience
Addiction: When a heroin addict quits cold turkey, the pain that he feels in being "dope sick" is beyond description in agony. This is an example of physical addiction. When the physical symptoms finally pass, but the feeling of still needing the heroin in order to live remains, that is psychological addiction.
2973 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
What is the physiological basis for addiction?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Alan Ali answered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
Addiction: Stimulating the reward system in the brain.
5692 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
How do you get over an addiction?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Seth Kunen answered
Clinical Psychology 45 years experience
No easy answer: Depends on type of addiction (e.g., drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, eating). Nonetheless, abstinence is difficult to achieve and requires many changes (in lifestyle, friends, social life). Counseling and participation in self-help groups is very helpful. Medication may help. Relapses are common and not necessarily a sign of failure. Families of the addict should join self-help groups as well.
5692 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
What is the worst and most addictive drug of all?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Jeffrey Roth answered
Addiction Medicine 43 years experience
Nicotine and alcohol: Nicotine and alcohol are the most toxic drugs and cause the most damage to those who use them and their families.
5686 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between mental and physical addiction?
5 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Pamela Pappas answered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Addiction: Physical tolerance to a substance can mean that more & more of it is needed for the same effect; physical addiction can mean having withdrawal symptoms from that substance when without it. "mental" addiction involves the behaviors one does with the substance. People often use more than intended; cannot stop once they start; lie about use; pursue the substance despite bad effects on rest of life.
5678 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
I need to get over a tv addiction. Should I buy an ipad?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Alfredo Garcia answered
Pediatrics 56 years experience
Facebook addiction: Entice your teenager to work out, either at home or at the gym. Get her involved in community activities, volunteering at the hospital or library, babysitting. Have her pick up a sport - the simplest ones are walking, running.And bike-riding. Most expensive proposition - go shopping. Also, develop hobbies like playing an instrument. Take up art lessons, dance, acting. No, don't substitute ipad.
5670 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Apr 10, 2015
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