National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which of the following would best describe psychological dependence?

1. Physical withdrawal symptoms

2. An emotional need for a substance

3. Dependence on social acceptance

4. Physical tolerance to a substance

The correct answer is: An emotional need for a substance

Psychological dependence is best described as an emotional need for a substance. This type of dependence refers to the mental and emotional aspects of addiction, where individuals feel a strong desire or compulsion to use a substance due to the pleasure or relief it provides, rather than a physical need. This emotional attachment can manifest in various forms, such as cravings or feelings of anxiety and distress when the substance is not available. In contrast, physical withdrawal symptoms relate to the body's physiological reactions to the absence of a substance, which are characteristic of physical dependence. Tolerance, another aspect of physical dependence, involves needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect due to the body’s adaptation. Social acceptance dependence refers to an individual’s craving to be part of a group or accepted socially, which can be influenced by substances but is not synonymous with psychological dependence. Thus, the correct choice captures the essential nature of psychological dependence as it relates to emotional and mental cravings for the substance.