Dependence on a substance can also be referred to as what?

Dependence on a substance is primarily referred to as addiction. Addiction represents a chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior, along with the continued use of a substance despite negative consequences. It often involves physical dependence, which can manifest as withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not available, but addiction encompasses a broader range of behaviors and consequences associated with the substance use. Users may develop a psychological dependence as well, where they feel a strong craving for the substance.

While withdrawal syndrome refers to the physiological symptoms that can occur when an individual stops taking a substance, it is not synonymous with dependence itself; it's just one aspect of the overall addiction process. Hypersensitivity and social anxiety are unrelated concepts. Hypersensitivity generally pertains to an exaggerated response to stimuli, while social anxiety focuses on the fear of social situations, neither of which directly relates to substance dependence. Thus, addiction is the most accurate term to describe a state of dependence on a substance.