Final answer:
Individuals who experience drug withdrawal symptoms are physically dependent. Physical dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms, and while associated, it is not equivalent to addiction. Tolerance often accompanies physical dependence but represents the need to increase the dosage to achieve the same effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who experience drug withdrawal effects are, by definition, physically dependent. Physical dependence involves changes in normal bodily functions, so that when drug use is stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur, which can be physical in nature, such as tremors, pain, seizures, or insomnia. Psychological dependence, on the other hand, represents an emotional need for a drug to relieve psychological distress but does not necessarily include the physical symptoms that characterize physical dependence.
Tolerance is related to physical dependence and implies that a person requires an increased amount of the drug to achieve the same effects that were once reached with smaller doses. This can be dangerous and potentially lead to overdose. Although physical dependence can occur with tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, it does not necessarily equate to addiction, which involves a compulsive use of the drug despite negative consequences.
Drug withdrawal includes negative symptoms that occur when drug use is discontinued. These symptoms are the opposite of the effects of the drug and can be a result of physical dependence on the drug. Physical dependence involves changes in normal bodily functions and the user will experience withdrawal from the drug upon cessation of use.