What is physical dependence on an addictive substance?

What is physical dependence on an addictive substance?

Physical dependence is the product of the body becoming physiologically accustomed to a substance . Quitting the substance causes physiological damage (as opposed to psychological) and is what is known as a withdrawal syndrome.

That is why many of the addiction recovery programs include substitutions of substances in a gradual and controlled manner by professionals so that the withdrawal syndrome does not cause harm to the person.