What term describes a substance that causes physiological or psychological dependence?

What term describes a substance that causes physiological or psychological dependence?

• A. Nicotine
• B. Addictive drug
• C. Carcinogen
• D. Leukoplakia

Answer: (B)

Dependence happens when a substance can create a physiological or psychological need to keep using it. A term that captures a substance with this potential is an addictive drug. These drugs often lead to tolerance, where more is needed to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms if the use stops, which reinforces continuing use. Nicotine illustrates this idea as a well-known addictive drug. A carcinogen refers to something that can cause cancer, not to dependence, and leukoplakia is a mouth lesion linked to irritation or tobacco use rather than the substance’s dependence potential.

Dependence happens when a substance can create a physiological or psychological need to keep using it. A term that captures a substance with this potential is an addictive drug. These drugs often lead to tolerance, where more is needed to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms if the use stops, which reinforces continuing use. Nicotine illustrates this idea as a well-known addictive drug. A carcinogen refers to something that can cause cancer, not to dependence, and leukoplakia is a mouth lesion linked to irritation or tobacco use rather than the substance’s dependence potential.