When does psychological dependence typically begin?

Psychological dependence often begins when a drug produces pleasant mental effects. This is because the positive feelings associated with drug use can create a strong desire to continue using the substance to experience those effects again. The brain's reward system reinforces the behavior, leading individuals to associate the drug with pleasure and emotional relief.

In the context of psychological dependence, the initial pleasurable effects can lead to a cycle where the person seeks out the drug not just for its physical effects, but for the mental satisfaction it provides. This differs from physical dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not taken and typically arises later in the dependency process.