What is a sign of physiological dependence on a substance?

Physiological dependence on a substance is characterized by the body's adaptation to the presence of that substance, leading to the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance refers to the need for increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect, while withdrawal symptoms occur when the substance is not available and the body reacts negatively to its absence. This connection between tolerance and withdrawal is a clear indicator that the body has become dependent on the substance, which is essential for understanding the nature of substance use disorders.

Other scenarios, such as not experiencing withdrawal symptoms, using the substance only in social settings, or consuming it solely at night to relax, do not indicate physiological dependence. These behaviors may reflect different patterns of use but do not demonstrate the physiological adaptations that come with dependence.