What is the term for the ability of one drug to suppress physical dependence caused by another?

The correct term for the ability of one drug to suppress physical dependence caused by another is cross-dependence. This concept is essential in understanding how certain medications or substances can alleviate withdrawal symptoms associated with another drug. For instance, in the treatment of opioid addiction, a medication like methadone can be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms from more potent opioids, demonstrating how it can essentially "cross-depend" and provide relief from physical dependence.

Addiction refers to a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, but it does not specifically address the interaction between two different substances. Rehabilitation pertains to the process of treatment and recovery for individuals struggling with substance use, focusing more on overall recovery from addiction rather than the pharmacological interactions that affect dependence. Withdrawal is the set of symptoms that occur when a substance is reduced or eliminated after prolonged use, but it does not describe the ability of another drug to mitigate those symptoms. Thus, cross-dependence is the accurate term reflecting the ability of one drug to alleviate the physical dependence imposed by another.