What term is used to describe a strong need, desire, or urge for something?

The term that describes a strong need, desire, or urge for something is "craving." Cravings are often associated with physical or psychological dependence on substances, behaviors, or experiences. They manifest as intense feelings that compel an individual to seek out whatever is being craved, whether it be food, certain substances, or even activities.

In the context of addiction and behavioral psychology, cravings can arise after periods of abstinence or reduction in use, making them a crucial component in understanding the dynamics of substance use disorders. They can signify the body's and mind's responses to the absence of a substance or a particular experience that was previously sought after.

Other terms like "loss of control," "physical dependence," and "tolerance" refer to different aspects of substance use and addiction. Loss of control pertains to the individual's inability to regulate consumption; physical dependence refers to the physiological adaptation to a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms; and tolerance involves the need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect. While these concepts are related to the encompassing theme of substance use, "craving" specifically addresses the intense desire or urge that can drive behavior.