Are “Physiological” and “Psychological” Addiction Really Different? Well, No! … um, er, Yes?

Abstract

The distinction often made between psychological and physiological addiction is a form of mind-body dualism. Therefore, it is a false distinction. However, this does not imply that behavioral and autonomic symptoms of addiction have the same brain substrates. In fact, they likely do not, although there is some overlap.

Keywords:

• psychological withdrawal
• physiological withdrawal
• habit
• drug dependence
• symptomatology

Notes

¹ The journal's style utilizes the category substance abuse as a diagnostic category. Substances are used or misused; living organisms are and can be abused. In addition the often used nosology “drugs of abuse” is both unscientific and misleading in that it mystifies and empowers selected active chemicals into a category whose underpinnings are neither theoretically anchored nor evidence informed and which is based on “principles of faith” held and transmitted by a range of stakeholders representing a myriad of agendas and goals. Editor's note.